Arsene Wenger insists he never came close to sanctioning the sale of Shkodran Mustafi in the summer of 2017, with the German defender considered to be a big part of Arsenal’s future.
After just one season in English football, speculation suggested that the World Cup winner could be moved on by the Gunners – with Serie A side Inter among those reported to be keen.
No move materialised and the 26-year-old has remained at Emirates Stadium for what has been a difficult campaign for both him and Arsenal.
Wenger has seen a £35 million asset struggle at times, with questions being asked in the wake of costly mistakes, but the Frenchman – who will be heading for the exits himself at the end of the season – insists Mustafi has always been a long-term investment.