Premier League Rumors: Mustafi Alters Plans, Wants Long-Term Deal Under Arteta

Several months ago, it appeared Shkodran Mustafi was bent on leaving Arsenal. He never saw action Premier League action the past three months of the season. But it appears his outlook has changed under the watch of Mikel Arteta.

Mustafi was the odd man out under former boss Unai Emery with the German defender held in cold storage. But it appears Arteta saw something in him and gave him a try. Mustafi responded with a bang and played a key role in the Gunners win against Olympiacos, 1-0 in the first leg of the Europa League last 32 tie, Goal.com reported.

"When I decide, or when the club and I decide, it is going to continue I am happy, if not then we have to go forward," Mustafi said.

Under Arteta, Mustafi has started in each of the team's last six games. Better yet, he is part of the reason why the Gunners remain unbeaten so far this 2020. However, his most credible performance has to be in Greece. That performance will likely earn him another starting spot on Sunday when Arsenal faces Everton at the Emirates Stadium in the Premier League.

With Mustafi nowhere to be found, critics speculated that his career may be over. The 27-year-old said that such never crossed his mind and he believed he could still turn things around.

"The main thing for me was to be professional because as long as you stay professional, you have no fault for anything. Stay professional, wait until you get your next opportunity and then obviously you have to take it," Mustafi said.

Though he claims retirement never crossed his mind, Mustafi admits that months of not being included in matchday squads was pretty tough. The German drew strength from people close to him during those dark times as he tried to remain positive.

It was not solely Mustafi who had a sterling game Thursday. He combined with David Luiz, a partnership that seems to be working for Arsenal. Ironically, both were under heavy scrutiny in the past. Under Arteta, both have reinvented themselves with fans now cheering and not jeering them.

As for Mustafi, those exit plans are no longer on the table. Now he wants to get a longer deal with the Gunners, especially with Arteta calling the shots. From the looks of it, he may just get that wish for as long as he continues to respond well under the 37-year-old Spanish manager.