Shkodran Mustafi’s father, Kujtim, has spoken about how Arsenal is the ideal club for his son and backed the German to settle in quickly.

In an exclusive interview with Sport1, Mustafi’s father spoke about his son’s ability to settle in just about anywhere and explained how the Gunners’ philosophy is something that’s very suited to Shkodran.

“Wenger’s philosophy is very Shkodran, therefore Arsenal is the right club. The Gunners are the ideal next step for my son,” he said.

Adding, “If you look at the career of my son, then you see that he has settled quickly at each place.

“For Shkodran it is not relevant, in which country he plays but in which club he plays.

“If the philosophy and ideas of the club meet the expectations of my son, he can in the world play anywhere.

“He left with 14 years of home. To him, that was never a problem to go to a strange place and then to enjoy it there is also fast well. He lives fast and speaks the language in a very short time. And he has very quickly developed into the clubs where he played as the leader.”

After eventually signing for Arsenal from Valencia for a reported £35m, there’s quite a bit of pressure on the defender’s shoulders. He’s only 24 though, so has plenty of time to bed in, even if his father does reckon it’ll happen quickly.

Germany's midfielder Shkodran Mustafi (L) and Germany's striker Mario Goetze vie for the ball during a training session at the training grounds in Duesseldorf, Germany on September 2, 2016 prior to the WC 2018 football qualification match between Norway and Germany in Oslo on September 4. (PATRIK STOLLARZ/AFP/Getty Images)
Germany’s midfielder Shkodran Mustafi (L) and Germany’s striker Mario Goetze vie for the ball during a training session at the training grounds in Duesseldorf, Germany on September 2, 2016 prior to the WC 2018 football qualification match between Norway and Germany in Oslo on September 4. (PATRIK STOLLARZ/AFP/Getty Images)

From what we can tell, Kujtim is Shkodran’s agent or representative (Sport1 says ‘advisor’), so he’s most likely been heavily involved every step of the way. Therefore, Arsenal’s philosophy probably doesn’t just appeal to his son but him as well.

It’s good to hear Arsenal being referred to as ‘the next step’ rather than just a stepping stone to somewhere like Barcelona.