Shkodran Mustafi dismisses speculation over summer transfer as 'the biggest s***'

The German was linked with a move to Inter Milan over the summer after just one season at Arsenal

The centre-back was subject to much speculation throughout the summer (Getty)

Shkodran Mustafi has angrily dismissed speculation that he was poised to leave Arsenal in the summer as "the biggest s***" following his side’s assertive 2-0 win over rivals Tottenham.

The German centre-back, who put the hosts ahead at the Emirates on Saturday after rising highest to head home Mesut Ozil’s first-half free-kick, was linked with a move to Serie A side Inter Milan after just one season in north London.

The transfer failed to materialise, with Inter Milan director Piero Ausilio claiming Arsenal’s demands forced them to “let go” in their pursuit of the defender, but Mustafi has suggested he was never close to joining the Italian club.

“You like to get the s***, the biggest s***,” he told reporters after Saturday’s victory.

“That’s your job. You are asking me about it, it’s your job from the people outside, talking and thinking that they know everything.

“What happens in the changing room is the real thing. I don’t understand why people just talk about things they cannot know about.

“If I have been talking to clubs or if I haven’t, it’s only rumours. Obviously there are so many newspapers, they need something to write because it’s boring if the paper is empty.”

When pressed whether he would like to set the record straight on such speculation, Mustafi replied: “But I’m here, I’m standing in front of you in an Arsenal shirt.”

Mustafi's well-taken header put Arsenal ahead against Spurs (Getty)

Away from his own future, the defender insisted his side had shown “great character” in beating a Tottenham side that, earlier this month, memorably crushed European champions Real Madrid at Wembley.

Both of Arsenal’s goals came in the first 45 minutes, with Alexis Sanchez striking five minutes after Mustafi’s opener to double the hosts’ lead. From there, Arsene Wenger’s men comfortably set about controlling the game against their rivals to secure all three points.

“We had to keep a cool head because it was a home Premier League game, only three points to win,” he said.

Alexis Sanchez added Arsenal's second (AFP)

“There was nothing more to win. So I think we did it well. We showed a great character, when we had the ball but also when we didn’t have it.

“In the end I’m really pleased with the performance and the character we showed.”

Mustafi said that Arsenal wouldn’t be getting carried away by the result, though, adding that consistency would be key to their season ahead.

“In the end it’s not only to speak about one team,” he said. “We all know that if you win the big games but lose the small games you’re not going to finish top of the league or even in the top four. It’s more about being consistent.

“That’s our goal every day in training because you are only as good as your last game. If you win today and lose next weekend you are back where you were. It’s about consistency and that’s what we’re working on.”