Mikel Arteta has insisted Shkodran Mustafi's immediate future remains with Arsenal regardless of any interest in the defender this month.
Mustafi has made just three substitute appearances in the Premier League this season, with the rest of his game time coming in the Europa League and Carabao Cup.
The 28-year-old is out of contract at the Emirates at the end of the season and is free to speak to other clubs about a summer move.
A knee injury kept Mustafi out of the FA Cup final in August and also sidelined him for the start of the season.
The centre back has since fallen down the pecking order but injuries to a number of players and William Saliba's loan to Nice means Arteta is determined to hold on to him for the rest of the campaign.
'His future right now is here,' said Arteta.
'I'm trying to help. We have Papa that probably is going to leave the club in this window.
'William that has already gone on loan, so we don't have many right now.
'Gabriel's been out for a period, David (Luiz) has been injured, so the situation is completely different to before.'
Mustafi reportedly rejected a new contract in October with the German said to be keen on a move to Italy.
The defender joined the Gunners from Valencia in 2016 and has made over 150 appearances for the club in five years.
Capeioru
0
I can’t believe how these negative comments represent Arsenal supports. Look at Ole at United last year. Everyone wanted him gone and now he has them above all for 1st time in 7yrs7mths. He arguably had the better players but there is also Lampard who was doing so well, now struggling with huge investment. All negative groomers find another team to support. Rather get behind the team as when they win those negative supporters should not comment. There is a longer term plan that what we know going on.
Pasceklmr
0
And Pepe
pranv16
0
Sell him,pepe,sokratis
Pobactuz
0
Mustafi just leave to where your heart desire. No lost love with such Manager who want you only when he is in desire strait.
Pobactuz
1
Arteta is good at signing players and quick to axe them just to save his own neck. Waiting BIG celebration when Arteta time is up.
seoacdimor
0
arteta should tell us what how much bribe he has received.
Humancal
0
let him go
Leaceopuy
0
Arteta you must leave as well , you are help better to follow Ozili the one you hatred in Arsenal
manbemoprz
0
pepe is a total, truly and completely wasting of money 🙆♂️🙅♂️🤦♂️😪😭😭😭
nutmegprince
1
he should pls get tf out... after all the blunders he made he has the guts to turn down a new contract... I blame the people who even offered him the contract in the first place
kazinkhairuddin
0
Can someone tell me who on arsenal is actually good, except pierre
hahaha when the last time shitt win trophy 🏆🏆🏆
sorindejerry
0
Arteta is becoming Confused eversince he won those 2 trophies
How?
Hubablnops
1
Please play every game as if you are playing against Manchester City or Liverpool. That's the only way you can win games.
Vimbeilop
1
Arteta is becoming Confused eversince he won those 2 trophies
Ruoacdpy
0
average players winning trophies your world class players and coaches can't win anything spur fans are not suppose to engage arsenal academy in banter cos they have won more trophies in 3yrs than your fc in 50yrs
jndaka
1
cammon Arteta.... Muatafi staying and going is just one and the same thing,,, just let him go and enjoy his career
Zoaaemsu
2
Can someone tell me who on arsenal is actually good, except pierre
average players winning trophies your world class players and coaches can't win anything spur fans are not suppose to engage arsenal academy in banter cos they have won more trophies in 3yrs than your fc in 50yrs
Zoaaemsu
1
Can someone tell me who on arsenal is actually good, except pierre
how many trophy has your world class players in the last 10years
Nohabiortz
1
what's up just sell him na
Gunners4ever❤
0
What about kane
He is world-class too. What do you think about Partey, Saka, ESR, Martinelli, Tierney, Leno and Gabriel?
Landonian
2
Lol. If no one is good at Arsenal except Aubameyang then no one is good at Tottenham except Son.
What about kane
Gunners4ever❤
0
Can someone tell me who on arsenal is actually good, except pierre
Lol. If no one is good at Arsenal except Aubameyang then no one is good at Tottenham except Son.
Gunners4ever❤
0
why not let him go, I believe callum chambers would be a much better back up for the team.
On point.
Landonian
1
Can someone tell me who on arsenal is actually good, except pierre
Dotdopsy
2
why not let him go, I believe callum chambers would be a much better back up for the team.
Gunners4ever❤
3
Arteta: We need to clear up the deadwood at the club before we can raise funds for the new signings we need. Also Arteta: Mustafi will stay at the club.