Monaco make official offer for Arsenal defender Mustafi

AS Monaco have made their initial offer of £17.75 million for Germany international defender Shkodran Mustafi. The centre-back has been deemed surplus to requirements at the Emirates and will be allowed to leave the club this summer.

Arsenal are to take a huge hit on the original £35 million paid for Mustafi when he arrived at the Emirates from Valencia, but with the German not seen as a first-team regular this upcoming season, manager Unai Emery is ready to sell.

27-year-old Mustafi has played 84 times for the Gunners but a number of high profile errors appears to have contributed to his eventual departure from the club.

Monaco are in pole position to sign the defender, but there could be late interest from elsewhere. Italian side Napoli and former club Valencia have both expressed interest but have yet to have tabled an official offer for the player. 

Mustafi's father and agent had informed the press just last week that his son wants to stay at Arsenal and fight for his place, but with Sokratis and Rob Holding seen as Unai Emery's first choice defence this season, interest from Ligue 1 would be a prudent opportunity for Mustafi to leave and seek first-team football.