Mustafi completes transfer to Schalke, Maintland-Niles joins West Brom on loan

Mustafi completes transfer to Schalke, Maintland-Niles joins West Brom on loan

 

Arsenal offloaded Shkodran Mustafi to Schalke 04 on Monday to end speculations over his future. (Photo credit: Arsenal.com)

Arsenal fans would want to believe their beloved team had a successful transfer window following the exits of many unwanted players and despite being unable to get a left back cover, they would celebrate regardless.

 

Arsenal defender Shkodran Mustafi has signed a permanent deal with Bundesliga side Schalke 04, the clubs announced on Monday much to the delight of fans who couldn’t really wait to see the back of the World Cup winner.

 

The north London side were keen to offload the center-back, with a source telling ESPN earlier on Monday that the two clubs were negotiating a fee of around €2-3 million.

"We thank Musti for his contribution at Arsenal which has spanned four-and-a-half years, more than 150 appearances and a prominent role in two FA Cup wins. Everyone associated with the club wishes Musti and his family the very best wishes for the next chapter in his career," Arsenal technical director Edu said in a club statement.

Mustafi had started just six times in all competitions this season and is yet to play a single minute in the Premier League for the Gunners.

The 28-year-old Germany international is in the final six months of his deal and was keen to return to his homeland to resurrect his career. He initially joined Arsenal from Valencia for £35m in 2016.

 

Schalke have signed Mustafi as a replacement for Ozan Kabak, who switched to ease the defensive crisis at Liverpool moments before the Mustafi deal was announced.

 

Meanwhile, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has said he is hoping for no "bad surprises" as his side work on completing several late deals before Monday's deadline.

Arsenal were in the market for a backup left-back with Crystal Palace’s Patrick Van Aanholt and Southampton’s Ryan Bertrand under consideration as both players are out of contract at their respective clubs this summer but as at the time the window slammed shut, none materialized.

 

A move was made further possible when Arsenal sent Ainsley Maitland-Niles on loan to West Brom, and Joe Willock to Newcastle later on Monday.

 

"[Deadline day] is what it is, at least when you know what you want to do, what you want to achieve, it is easier," he said. "Hopefully we won't have any bad surprises and we can control what we want to do."