According to Shkodran Mustafi’s father, the defender is keeping an eye out for new opportunities but he’s not ‘going to hell’ in search of a change of scenery.

The Germany international, signed for £32 million from Valencia in 2016, was told by Arsenal in the summer that he was surplus to requirements but opted to stick things out at the Emirates when it became apparent that attractive alternatives would not be forthcoming.

The defender, under contract until July 2021, changed representatives recently and was linked with a move to Turkey a couple of weeks ago.

Given the lack of game time and the fact he’s lost the confidence of a large portion of the fanbase, you’d imagine Mustafi would be itching for a move but it sounds as though he’s happy to bide his time. Perhaps that’s understandable given his current wages.

Looking to the future, Mustafi senior admitted that a return to his homeland, where his son has never actually played, could an option.

“He’s not a stressor. He’s currently having a difficult time in London, but he’s not someone who spreads unrest or brings bad spirits into the team or club,” he told Transfermarkt (translated by Sport Witness).

“If something good were to come now, we would think about it. We’re not going to hell looking for a change.

“It must make sense and fit for him. Shkodran is the one who shows us the way and gives us direction.

“There is always a market for an internationally experienced defender. We always get inquiries. He felt very comfortable in Italy and Spain.

“He has never played in Germany, so maybe that’s an option. Then he has played in the top four leagues.”

It’s definitely interesting timing to put the feelers out for a move. It’s not like Mustafi covered himself in glory on Tuesday night. Indeed, he went so far as to apologise on social media to his teammates and David Luiz for the mistake that led to the Brazilian being sent off against Chelsea.