The Germany international, 25, arrived at the Emirates from Valencia last summer in a deal worth around £35m.

And he was expected to form a solid partnership with Laurent Koscielny at the heart of the Gunners’ defence.

Mustafi sometimes struggled to justify his hefty price tag though as Arsenal slipped out of the Champions League qualification places.

And in the past week he’s been linked with a return to Italy, where he previously plied his trade with Serie A side Sampdoria.

Shkodran Mustafi is in line to feature for Arsenal when they face Liverpool on Sunday

Inter Milan are thought to be on the lookout for a new centre-back.

And, alongside Manchester City misfit Eliaquim Mangala, Mustafi has been considered.

Yesterday Wenger was asked specifically about whether he expected to sell Mustafi.

Germany international Shkodran Mustafi joined Arsenal from Valencia last summer

And the Arsenal gaffer refused to rule out a potential exit with just a week to go before the transfer window shuts.

Wenger said: "It’s difficult for me to speak about any individual cases because we are now in the final seven days of the transfer market.

"It’s always very difficult to predict what will happen there. You have to make quick and sharp decisions, and you cannot plan that and come out in the press conference with how you will respond to any solicitation."