Arsene Wenger insists Shkodran Mustafi never asked to leave Arsenal despite Inter Milan links

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James Benge9 September 2017

Arsene Wenger says that Shkodran Mustafi never wanted to leave Arsenal after the World Cup winner returned to action in impressive fashion in the 3-0 win over Bournemouth.

Though the visiting Cherries rarely offered much to threaten Arsenal’s defence, Mustafi provided a composed core to the back three, cutting out the long balls aimed at Jermain Defoe.

Mustafi had been the subject of summer transfer interest from Inter Milan, who wished to take him on loan, though no deal could be agreed with the Gunners.

It was subsequently reported that the 25-year-old had asked to move only a year after his £35million arrival from Arsenal, but Wenger insisted that had not been the case.

"He wanted to stay," Wenger told Standard Sport when asked if Mustafi had requested a transfer.

"Look at him today."

Wenger’s comments mirrored those of Arsenal chief executive Ivan Gazidis, who had told a fan forum earlier on Saturday that it had never been the club’s intention to cash in on the Germany international.