Three players left Arsenal’s senior squad for other clubs in deadline day deals on Monday night.
The club announced the deals late on Monday night as Mikel Arteta trimmed his squad for Premier League and UEFA Europa League challenges.
MUSTAFI
German defender Shkodran Mustafi ended his four-and-a-half-year stay in north London by joining Schalke in a permanent transfer.
The 28-year-old World Cup winner joined Arsenal from Valencia in August 2016 and has since been a prominent part of the backline, making 151 appearances during his time at the club.
Technical director Edu said: “We thank Musti for his contribution at Arsenal which has spanned four-and-a-half years, more than 150 appearances and a prominent role in two FA Cup wins. Everyone associated with the club wishes Musti and his family the very best wishes for the next chapter in his career.”
Mikel Arteta said: “Musti has been a key player for us for a long period of time. He played a very important part in my first season as manager and I’d like to thank him for his professionalism and for always being ready when called upon. Everybody at Arsenal wishes Musti well at Schalke.”
Shkodran links up with Sead Kolasinac in Gelsenkirchen. The Bosnian defender captains his boyhood club, having re-joined them on loan in January.
MAITLAND-NILES
Ainsley Maitland-Niles became West Bromwich Albion’s fifth signing of the January transfer window, joining the Baggies on loan until the end of the season.
The 23-year-old has been with Arsenal since he was six and has progressed through the ranks to make 121 appearances for the senior side.
This is Ainsley’s second loan spell away from north London, having spent time with then-Championship side Ipswich Town in 2015.
Technical director Edu said: “We wish Ainsley the best of luck for his time with West Bromwich Albion. He deserves the opportunity to play consistently, which is what he needs for his club and international career ambitions and we fully support him with that.”
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said: “Ainsley is a very talented player and we are proud of his hard work and development with us. This decision to go on loan to West Bromwich Albion for the rest of this season is to support Ainsley and his growth further. He will be working at a very good club in the Premier League and we all wish him the best of luck during his time at the Hawthorns.”
Sam Allardyce’s West Brom sit 19th in the Premier League ahead of Tuesday’s six-pointer against Sheffield United at Bramall Lane.
WILLOCK
Joe Willock’s temporary departure was also confirmed on Monday night. The Arsenal academy graduate sealed a late loan to Newcastle United until the end of the season.
The England youth international, who has featured 17 times for Arsenal across all competitions this season, has moved to the Magpies to gain further first-team experience.
“I’d like to thank all the supporters for their warm welcome and messages so far,” Willock told Newcastle’s website.
“This is a club with a massive history that I’ve grown up watching and I’ll work my socks off for the team. I can’t wait to see everyone and be part of the Newcastle family.”
Arsenal’s technical director Edu said: “Joe is a talented young player and an important member of our first-team squad. This can be seen in the number of appearances he has made for us in recent seasons.
“At this stage of his career, we have decided together with Joe, that it will benefit his development greatly to enjoy a loan period playing regular first-team football. We thank our counterparts at Newcastle United for their collaboration and we wish Joe all the best with his loan move.”
Steve Bruce’s Newcastle United are 15th in the Premier League and host Crystal Palace at St James’ Park on Tuesday night.
Arsenal.com.
