Mustafi is leaving, admits Pako

Pako Ayestaran has admitted that Shkodran Mustafi is leaving Valencia after overlooking the defender for Saturday’s trip to Eibar in La Liga.

Mustafi is understood to be on the verge of a €40m transfer to Arsenal, and Ayestaran referred to an unnamed club sufficiently improving their bid for the defender, although he maintained Paco Alcacer was still in a fit state to play, despite Barcelona’s revelation that they would sign the striker or no-one.

“We’ll play a team that show character. You have to face situations as they are, but I’m convinced that whoever plays [instead of Mustafi] at Eibar will have a good game,” the Coach said at a Press conference.

“The decision on Alcacer is sensible. If he’s in the squad then is because he can play.

“Circumstances change depending on the offers we receive and the circumstances of the club.

“A few weeks ago, [Arsenal’s] offer wasn’t good enough, but now other circumstances exist because their offer is [good enough] and, from there, we believe that we have a suitable replacement [lined up]. It's simple. I’m sure [the club] will deliver make signings.

“The project will be good or bad depending on who we have here. Those who aren’t here, aren’t here, but we have a good team and good foundations.

“What percentage of the squad can change [before August 31]? Ten percent? Those are the numbers that will change.

“The most important thing is that we have a good team and the project will depend on what we can do with players we have.”

Tags Arsenal Paco Alcacer Pako Ayestaran Shkodran Mustafi
La Liga - Club News