Schalke have confirmed defender Shkodran Mustafi signing on a free transfer, with Arsenal agreeing to tear up what was left of their contract.
Mustafi follows his compatriot Arsenal defender Sead Kolasinac to the German side who is languishing at the bottom of the Bundesliga due to continued financial difficulties.
The move follows an agreement between Liverpool and Schalke defender Ozan Kabak, who underwent a medical examination in Germany before a late transfer to the Reds before the transfer window closed.
In a statement, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta said: “Musti has been a key player for us for a long time. He played a very important role in my first season as a coach and I want to thank him for his professionalism and for always being ready when called up. Everyone at Arsenal wishes Musti good luck at Schalke.
Technical Director Edu added: “We thank Musti for his contribution to Arsenal which spanned four and a half years, more than 150 appearances and a leading role in two FA Cup wins. All club members wish Musti and his family the best of wishes for the next chapter of his career.
Thanks and good luck, @MustafiOfficial ?
– Arsenal (@Arsenal) February 1, 2021
Sky Germany reporter Max Bielefeld confirmed on Monday that Mustafi had agreed personal terms for a six-month contract with Schalke, paving the way for Kabak to leave for Liverpool.
Mustafi, 28, signed for Arsenal for £ 35million from Valencia in 2015, after winning the World Cup with Germany a year earlier, but ultimately never managed to convince fans that he was good enough for the Gunners.
ℹ️ Update transfer II: @MustafiOfficial joined the Royal Blues since @Arsenal and signed a contract until the end of this season.
Glück auf and welcome to Schalke, Shkodran! ⚒️?# S04
– FC Schalke 04 (@ s04_en) February 1, 2021
Upon Mikel Arteta’s arrival, Mustafi had seen his role reduced to such an extent that he had failed to make a single Premier League appearance for Arsenal this season. Arsenal were keen to recoup fees for Mustafi after already dropping Mesut Ozil and Sokratis on free transfers this month, but have agreed to end their contract with which will expire this summer.
Mustafi traveling to Schalke allowed the Royal Blues to sell Kabak to Liverpool. 90 mins reported Monday that negotiations on a move had started for the 20-year-old, who they have been interested in since last summer.
