Arsenal and Inter Milan are reportedly knee-deep in negotiations over a move for Shkodran Mustafi.

Arsenal and Inter are currently discussing a loan move for Mustafi before the transfer window shuts on Thursday night, according to ESPN FC.

While the Gunners would understandably like to recoup the £35m they signed him for from Valencia this time last year, the Serie A club would prefer a loan move with a view to permanent deal at the end of the season.

Mustafi’s alleged move to Inter has taken everybody by surprise.

The 25-year-old was one of Arsenal’s only true centre-backs and made 37 appearances across all competitions last season. With Gabriel signing for Mustafi’s former club, Rob Holding losing his confidence and Calum Chambers out with a groin strain, this leaves only Laurent Koscielny and Per Mertesacker currently fit.

Having just two decent centre-backs in the senior squad when there are supposed to be three played in Arsene Wenger’s 3-4-3 formation is ridiculous. To say the least.

Mustafi, who was benched for the Gunners’ trip to Anfield at the weekend, is said to not have bonded with his Arsenal teammates since moving to north London, which is why he’s allegedly pushing for a move. However, it seems to have come from nowhere.

Juventus have also been linked with the defender.