Shkodran Mustafi made 151 appearances for Arsenal from 2016 to 2021 (Picture: Getty)
Former Arsenal defender Shkodran Mustafi says the Gunners have ‘already won a title’ this season despite the club looking destined to finish second.
The Gunners were eight points clear at the top of the Premier League earlier in the campaign but a late capitulation has put Manchester City back in control.
Arsenal have failed to record a victory in their last four top-flight matches and lost 4-1 at City last time out, who are now two points behind with two games in hand.
Unless there is a late twist, it seems Mikel Arteta’s team will end the season without any silverware having crashed out of every other competition this term.
But ex-Arsenal centre-back Mustafi says his old club being back in the Champions League for the first time in seven years next term is the same as winning a title.
The 31-year-old went as far to say that the progress Arsenal have made this season even tops Leicester City winning the Premier League at odds of 5000-1 in 2016.
‘Arsenal haven’t played in the Champions League since Arsene Wenger left the club,’ Mustafi told Sky Germany.
More: Trending
‘In my view, the positive development that the club have gone through under Arteta is almost more important than winning the league just once and then not being able to build on it, like Leicester City did after winning the title in 2016.
‘I think Arsenal have already won a title in which they play in the Champions League again next year because that’s where the club belongs.
‘Of course, Arsenal want to win the league after a season like the current one. But the goal will be to play at the top for the next few years and not just win the Premier League once.’
Arsenal return to action on Tuesday when they face Chelsea at the Emirates.
MORE : Mikel Arteta changes Arsenal transfer priorities following Manchester City defeat
MORE : Pep Guardiola says Arsenal should be delighted with finishing second
Do you agree with the former Gunner?