As we’ve explained on this website previously, Shkodran Mustafi to Inter doesn’t make a lot of sense for Arsenal, and Arsène Wenger explained as much in his press conference on Thursday.
Revealing he wasn’t expecting the German centre-back to leave, the Arsenal manager did however admit he couldn’t fully confirm him staying as the last few days of the transfer window were always unpredictable.
This, of course, has got the Italian media rather excited about the possibility of a deal getting done, but it’s worth pointing out that a lot of convincing will still need to be done.
Gazzetta dello Sport explain there is hope, if Inter prove persuasive enough, helped by Mustafi’s wife allegedly pushing to leave London. Using a player’s wife or girlfriend as part of a transfer story is relatively common, but usually nonsense.
The Italian newspaper also state the Serie A side will be looking to win over Arsenal with the idea of loan with an option (or an obligation) to buy next year.
That will help spread out the spending, especially considering the German centre-back’s contract at the Emirates runs until 2021, meaning the Gunners can ask for a lot of money for him, making things difficult.
A lot will also rest on whether Mustafi actually wants to leave Arsenal, and Inter are hoping that if the former Valencia star starts pushing for a move, then Wenger would feel obliged to let him go to keep a good harmony in his squad.
It’s also worth pointing out that nowhere in Gazzetta’s article does it say the Premier League club would be ‘open’ to a loan with a view to buy, whether optional or compulsory, as has been poorly relayed in certain English outlets.
