'Mustafi exit at Arsenal was never close' - Wenger tips German defender for bright future

Arsene Wenger insists he never came close to sanctioning the sale of Shkodran Mustafi in the summer of 2017, with the German defender considered to be a big part of Arsenal’s future.

After just one season in English football, speculation suggested that the World Cup winner could be moved on by the Gunners – with Serie A side Inter among those reported to be keen.

No move materialised and the 26-year-old has remained at Emirates Stadium for what has been a difficult campaign for both him and Arsenal.

Wenger has seen a £35 million asset struggle at times, with questions being asked in the wake of costly mistakes, but the Frenchman – who will be heading for the exits himself at the end of the…