I want players to be happy here - Emery suggests Elneny and Mustafi should leave Arsenal

Unai Emery has suggested Shkodran Mustafi and Mohamed Elneny are free to leave Arsenal as they are not part of his plans.

Mustafi dramatically lost form last term and has not been included in Emery's squad so far in 2019-20, with Elneny also omitted against both Newcastle United and Burnley.

The European transfer window closes on September 2 and Emery suggested both players should secure themselves moves prior to the deadline.

"We have some players, they know their situation," Emery told reporters ahead of Saturday's trip to Liverpool, who also have maximum points from two league fixtures.

"For example, Elneny and Mustafi know their position in the squad and really I want the players to be happy here, I want the players to be protagonists here.

"Last year with Mustafi and Mo, when they didn't play they weren't happy. I spoke with them a lot of times last year and this pre-season and I think it is positive for them to leave and sign for another team where they can be protagonists and be happy and continue their careers."

Arsenal signing centre-back David Luiz from Chelsea and midfielder Dani Ceballos on loan from Real Madrid has pushed Mustafi and Elneny further down the pecking order at their respective positions.

"They are very big players," Emery added of the duo. "But for one circumstance or another, they are going to have less chances to show their capacity or to be happy with us and the minutes they play in matches.

"But they know the situation and really, really I am wishing the best for them and I think now the best for them is to be protagonists in another team and sign to get another challenge.

"We respect them, they are training with us, but they know their situation and only I am wishing the best for them."