Emery tells Arsenal pair to find clubs in Europe

Unai Emery has made clear his desire to sell the unwanted Shkodran Mustafi and Mohamed Elneny before the closure of the European transfer window, saying they will have few first-team opportunities if they remain at Arsenal.

Mustafi and Elneny have no future under Emery’s management at the Emirates Stadium and the club are hopeful of removing their salaries from the hefty wage bill before the end of the month.

Elneny has been linked with a move to Galatasaray and Italian reports have said that Roma are interested in Mustafi, who has fallen further down the defensive pecking order following the signing of David Luiz from Chelsea.

Emery has said he only wants players who will be “happy” at the club and that Mustafi and Elneny will not be content with their lack of action this season.

The Arsenal head coach has had numerous conversations with both players, urging them to seek alternative challenges and look to become “protagonists” elsewhere.

“Elneny and Mustafi know their situation in the squad,” Emery said. “Really, I want players to be happy here. I want players to be protagonists here. Last year, for example, with Mustafi and with Mo, when they did not play, they were not happy.

“I spoke with them a lot of times last year and in this pre-season. I think it’s positive for them to leave and to sign for another team where they can be protagonists, they can be happy and they can continue in their careers as very big players. They are very big players.

“But here, for one circumstance or another, they are going to have less chances to show their capacity or to be happy with us, taking minutes in matches.”

Mustafi and Elneny continue to train with the Arsenal first-team squad but neither player has been included in a competitive matchday squad this season.

Barring any unexpected injuries, they will not be involved in tomorrow’s match against Liverpool at Anfield.

“They know the situation and really I am wishing the best for them,” Emery said. “I think now the best for them is to be protagonists in another team, to sign and to get another challenge for them individually and collectively with another team.

“But really we respect them and they are training with us and they know the situation and I am only wishing the best for them.”