Arsenal defender Shkodran Mustafi is reportedly on the verge of leaving the club to join AS Roma before the Italian transfer deadline. Arsenal defender set to join AS Roma? Arsenal to include Champions League clause in striker's contract? The Germany international has fallen down the pecking order for the central defensive role after the summer arrival of David Luiz and he has not made the matchday squad for the opening two league games. Gunners boss Unai Emery had recently acknowledged that the centre-back is free to part ways with the club this month and it seems that will certainly happen with the Giallorossi closing in on a loan move. According to Forza Roma, the Serie A side are close to sealing a temporary deal for the former Valencia defender with the option to buy for around £23m next summer. Mustafi has drawn plenty of criticism from the Gunners fans since pre-season and the majority of them have called for the club to sanction his sale before the transfer window closes in Europe's major leagues.