According to Turkish Football, Arsenal centre-back Shkodran Mustafi has been offered to Galatasaray through an intermediary.

What’s the word?

The German has struggled for consistent game-time this season both under Unai Emery and current head coach Mikel Arteta, playing just ten times across all competitions. Mustafi’s time at the Emirates has been characterised by high-profile blunders and mistakes, perhaps the most defining of which came in last season’s defeat to Crystal Palace when he was turned by Wilfried Zaha – a moment that played a huge role in the Gunners missing out on Champions League qualification.

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And now, it appears his time in north London might be coming to an end. Following an earlier report from The Daily Mirror that claimed he could quit this month, Turkish Football claim the centre-back has been offered to Super Lig champions Galatasaray through an intermediary, with the side only able to afford the German on a six to 18 month loan move. The report further claims that both the board, and manager, Fatih Terim, will have a meeting to discuss the whether to move forward with an official offer.

Defensive cover

If Mustafi does leave, there won’t be too many tears shed at the Emirates. His time at the club has been littered with reckless performances that have drawn the ire of fans, and his costly blunders certainly won’t be fondly remembered. But whilst a move away might be best for all involved eventually, the Gunners simply cannot afford to let him go right now.

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The devastating knee injury suffered by Calum Chambers which has ruled him out for the rest of the season, is the latest in a long line of defensive concerns for the Gunners. Rob Holding came under criticism from sections of the Arsenal support for his rusty performance against Leeds – the centre-back having only come back from his own long-term issue late last year. And with full-backs like Hector Bellerin and Kieran Tierney struggling with injuries too, keeping hold of Mustafi for now can be an insurance policy they may desperately need.

Meanwhile, Mikel Arteta has revived this Arsenal ace who struggled under Unai Emery.