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Shkodran Mustafi

Coronavirus: Mustafi focused on return to action instead of Arsenal future debate

The Germany international has just over a year remaining on his Gunners contract and has been back in favour since Mikel Arteta took over from Unai Emery.

At an uncertain time, Mustafi’s focus is on returning to the pitch before "questions" on his career are answered.

"We are in a situation where everyone is worried about the current situation and not so much about their personal future," Mustafi, 27, said to Sky Germany.

"First of all, I would like to play football again. That's how we all feel, we want to get back onto the pitch. There are so many question marks at the moment.

"Euro 2020 has been postponed. There are so many discussions whether we can even finish the season or not.

"So it is difficult to think about my personal future. None of us know what will happen next and when we can play again.

"So once we have overcome this difficult time and are back on the pitch, I can think about questions like that.

"At the moment I don't think about it. Also, the club has more important stuff to deal with right now than my future."

Mustafi had previously spoken positively about Arteta and praised the Arsenal boss' charisma as he began to get more regular appearances alongside David Luiz at the back.

"I can imagine continuing to play for him," he said of Arteta, who has recently recovered from COVID-19. 

"But we still don't know about the future and there are still many question marks."

Mustafi out until October, Leno set to train ahead of FA Cup final

Mustafi had a minor operation on Saturday following damage done in the FA Cup semi-final victory over Manchester City.

The centre-back will miss the start of next season as he recovers from the procedure and will be a spectator when the Gunners attempt to beat Chelsea at Wembley on Saturday to secure a Europa League spot.

Mustafi missed the FA Cup final against the same opponents three years ago due to concussion but is taking a positive outlook despite his latest setback.

"Missing out the @EmiratesFACup final for the second time. The good news is that the surgery went well and that I am not the type of guy who gives up easily," he tweeted.

"After the disappointment I accepted the situation and I am now focused to recover to be back on the pitch."

Goalkeeper Leno suffered a ligament sprain in his right knee following a challenge from Brighton and Hove Albion forward Neal Maupay last month and is aiming to be back in full training next week.

Bellerin was not risked for a 3-2 victory over Watford on the final day of the Premier League season last Sunday due to a calf problem, but the full-back is back in contention.

Rumour Has It: Arsenal, Tottenham push for Szoboszlai as Premier League giants monitor White

Szoboszlai, 20, has been linked with a move from Salzburg after starring for the Austrian club.

And several European heavyweights are eyeing the Hungary international.

TOP STORY – ARSENAL, TOTTENHAM PUSH FOR SZOBOSZLAI

Arsenal and Tottenhamare ready to push to sign Salzburg star Szoboszlai, according to Eurosport.

But the report says RB Leipzig look likely to win the battle to sign the star, despite interest also coming from Milan and Atletico Madrid.

Contracted until 2022, an offer of around €20million will reportedly be enough.

ROUND-UP

- Manchester United, Tottenham and Chelsea are monitoring Brighton and Hove Albion defender White, according to Sky Sports. Liverpool have also been linked with the 23-year-old previously.

- Eyeing a defender in January amid an injury crisis, Barcelona have two targets in the Premier League. Mundo Deportivo reports Arsenal defender Shkodran Mustafiand Chelsea's Antonio Rudiger are among the players on Barca's list.

- After starring for Inter, Milan Skriniar is linked with a move. Football Insider reports Tottenham are still keeping tabs on the defender.

- Other Premier League giants could also be set for a transfer fight. The Daily Star reports Manchester United and Chelseaare facing a battle with Manchester City to sign Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder Denis Zakaria.

- Set to re-sign with Ajax, Nicolas Tagliafico could still be on the move. The Daily Mail reports the Manchester City and Leicester City target will still be allowed to leave the Eredivisie giants if a suitable offer arrives, despite re-signing.

- Catching the eye with Cagliari, Nahitan Nandez is being targeted by Roma and Napoli, according to CalcioMercato.