German defender Shkodran Mustafi has left Arsenal for Bundesliga club Schalke 04 on a permanent deal.
Arsenal confirmed Mustafi’s move to Schalke in a statement released on their official website on Deadline Day transfer.
“Shkodran Mustafi has joined Bundesliga side Schalke in a permanent transfer.
“The 28-year-old World Cup winner joined us from Valencia in August 2016 and has since been a prominent part of our backline, making 151 appearances during his time at the club.
“Shkodran won two Emirates FA Cups, one in his first season in 2016/17 and the other in 2019/20. Although he unfortunately missed out on both finals due to injury, he played an important part in each of the cup runs which took us to Wembley.
“The German centre-back also played six times and scored one goal in our run to the Europa League final in the 2018/19 season. Prior to joining Valencia, he spent two years at Sampdoria after coming through the youth ranks at Hamburg and Everton.
“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.
“Everyone at Arsenal thanks Musti for his contribution to the club. We wish him and his family all the best for the future.
“The transfer is subject to the completion of regulatory processes.
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.”
