Mustafi's father DENIES reports the defender will terminate his Arsenal contract

Shkodran Mustafi has no plans to terminate his Arsenal contract early, according to his agent and father.

The German defender has entered into the final six months of his deal at the Emirates Stadium and has made just three Premier League appearances so far this season, the last of which came in the Boxing Day victory against Chelsea.

The Gunners have already cancelled the contracts of compatriot Mesut Ozil and fellow centre-back Sokratis this month, with the duo going on to join Fenerbahce and Olympiacos respectively.

But speaking to football.london, Kujtim Mustafi denied his son will be joining the pair in terminating their deals with the north London club prematurely after reports emerged that the two parties were in talks to do so.

'We have a contract with Arsenal until 30th June 2021,' he said. 'There are no plans to terminate his contract right now.'

In separate quotes given to Transfermarkt, Mustafi senior said: 'I read the rumours yesterday that Shkodran is set to terminate his contract. To clarify: there are currently no talks about a contract termination.

'The fact is that Shkodran will leave the club in the summer at the latest.'

Gunners boss Mikel Arteta also recently stated his determination to hold on to him for the rest of the campaign.

'His future right now is here,' said Arteta.

Rob Holding has established himself as a key part of Arteta's plans, while Gabriel, David Luiz, Pablo Mari and Calum Chambers are also ahead of Mustafi in the pecking order.

In total, the 2014 World Cup winner has played 151 times for Arsenal since he joined from Valencia in a £35million deal in 2016.