Sky Sports: International assist machine to join Arsenal, deal will be completed on 1 July
By Harry Sykes
Schalke left-sided flyer Sead Kolasinac is set to complete a permanent move to Arsenal on 1 July, according to a report.
Sky Sports claimed on their official Twitter account on Monday that the Bosnia international’s free transfer to the Premier League giants has been sealed.
The left-sided player, who is predominantly a left-back but has played further forward with much success, has finalised the paperwork on a move to London.
“Defender Saed Kolasinac will join Arsenal on 1 July when his Schalke contract expires,” reported Sky Sports on Twitter, quoting their own sources.
The Bosnia-Herzegovinia international has been heavily linked with a move to the Gunners in recent weeks, with one report claiming that he has already undertaken a medical.
Manager Arsenal Wenger last month denied that a deal had already been agreed and said it was not the time to discuss transfers.
But it appears that Kolasinac, who is free to make a switch for nothing on 30 June, has agreed to join Arsenal ahead of his other reported suitors Everton, Manchester City and AC Milan.
Arsene Wenger appears to have targeted Kolasinac as he looks to overhaul the left-back position in the first team.
But the 23-times Bosnia international is more than just a defender as he has a highly impressive record as a creative outlet.
Kolasinac has scored three goals and laid on a hugely impressive nine assists for Schalke this season, an extremely high tally for a predominantly defensive player in one of Europe’s major leagues.
He is set to compete with Spaniard Nacho Monreal for the left-back spot at Arsenal next season, with the future of academy product Kieran Gibbs likely to now lie beyond Emirates Stadium.
Kolasinac has been a mainstay in the Schalke defence this season, making 36 appearances in all competitions.
In other Arsenal transfer news, Wenger has said this is the best position of a player Liverpool are trying desperately to sign.
We’ve launched a <<BREAKING NEWS FEED>> exclusively for your club. ‘Like Us’ on Facebook by clicking here if you want 24/7 updates on all Arsenal breaking news.