The agent of Shkodran Mustafi has opened up on the future of the Arsenal defender.
Two games into the new Premier League season and the German is yet to make a matchday squad under Gunners head coach Unai Emery.
In addition, following the arrival of David Luiz from London rivals Chelsea in the summer transfer window, Mustafi is effectively the fourth choice centre-back at the Emirates Stadium and will slip down the pecking order once Rob Holding has regained full fitness.
With first-team opportunities looking bleak, Emery has urged Mustafi to leave before the European transfer window deadline amid links to Monaco and Roma.
"We have now some players, they know their situation,"the Spaniard told reporters on Thursday afternoon. "For example, Elneny and Mustafi know their position in the squad and really I want the players to be happy here.
"I want the players to be protagonists here.
"Last year with Mustafi and Mo, when they didn't play they weren't happy and I spoke with them a lot of times last year and this pre-season and I think it is positive for them to leave and sign for another team where they can be protagonists and be happy and continue their careers.
"They are very big players but for one circumstance or another, they are going to have less chances to show their capacity or to be happy with us and the minutes they play in matches.
"But they know the situation and really, really I am wishing the best for them and I think now the best for them is to be protagonists in another team and sign and to get another challenge for them with another team.
"We respect them, they are training with us, but they know their situation and only I am wishing the best for them."
And it would appear the message has been received - loud and clear.
Kujtim Mustafi - the defender's father and agent - has confirmed a transfer is likely before the beginning of next month, but has warned that a departure is reliant on the transfer fees.
"Shkodran had a great time with Arsenal. We still have a contract for two years and can imagine to stay in London, a statement reads .
"However the best for both sides is probably to work on a transfer.
"But for that it also needs market-driven transfer-fees."
football.london understands that while Arsenal's preference would be a permanent sale of Mustafi, recouping as much of the £35million they paid Valencia for 2016 as possible, they will be prepared to consider a loan deal if necessary.
