Arsenal have confirmed in an official club statement that they have agreed that they have terminated Mustafi’s contract so he can join Bundesliga side Schalke.
Mustafi joined Arsenal in August 2016 from La Liga side Valencia and has made 150 appearances since then.
The World Cup winning defender has also won two FA Cup with the Gunners and has been a major part of their team for the last 4 and a half years.
Speaking about his departure Mikel Arteta said:
“Musti has been a key player for us for a long period of time.
He played a very important part in my first season as manager and I’d like to thank him for his professionalism and for always being ready when called upon.
Everybody at Arsenal wishes Musti well at Schalke.”
Technical director Edu was also speaking about Mustafi and said:
“We thank Musti for his contribution at Arsenal which has spanned four-and-a-half years, more than 150 appearances and a prominent role in two FA Cup wins.
Everyone associated with the club wishes Musti and his family the very best wishes for the next chapter in his career.”
Arsenal also thanked him for his amazing work in the local community
‘We are also thankful to Shkodran for the part he played off the pitch. His donation of more than 16,000 meals helped vulnerable residents in our local borough of Islington during the height of the coronavirus pandemic, providing them with an essential food service they otherwise wouldn’t have received.’