Sead Kolasinac is set to join Arsenal on a long-term deal in the summer, the club have announced.
Arsenal have announced Sead Kolasinac as their first signing of the summer transfer window. The Bosnian defender moves to the Emirates having put pen to paper on a long-term deal worth €8.5 million-a-year, as per German publication Bild.
Kolasinac has blossomed into one of the best left-backs in Bundesliga since joining Schalke in 2012 as a promising teenager. A typically modern full-back, the Bosnian is a dependable defender while also proving to be a menace in the final third with his marauding runs down the left flank.
? #WelcomeKolasinac pic.twitter.com/NfkhxkP9Ur
— Arsenal FC (@Arsenal) June 6, 2017
2016/17 turned out to be the most fruitful campaign in Kolasinac’s senior career, with three goals and nine assists in 36 appearances across all competitions for Die Konigsblauen. However, after five seasons with Schalke, the 23-year-old has departed from the Veltins-Arena, with Arsenal signing him on a free transfer.
Arsene Wenger is looking to rebuild his squad following a disastrous Premier League campaign in 2016/17 that saw the Gunners finish a disappointing fifth, thereby missing out on Champions League qualification for the first time under the Frenchman.
Wenger has, thus, reportedly identified several positions that need reinforcements in the summer, with the left wing-back slot in his newly adopted 3-4-2-1 formation being a priority. Veteran defender Nacho Monreal impressed as the first-choice but – with the player being on the wrong side of 30 – there are doubts over his viability next campaign.
Meanwhile, Monreal’s deputy, Kieran Gibbs failed to carve out a regular place for himself on the left side of the Arsenal defence, and is reportedly set to depart from the Emirates in the summer transfer window.
Kolasinac’s arrival, thus, potentially provides Wenger with a long-term solution at left wing-back, with the player possessing the kind of pace and guile that will make him the perfect fit at the position. The report by Bild suggests that the player has joined Arsenal on an €8.5 million-a-year deal.
Kolasinac will officially complete his Bosman move to the North London club when his contract with Schalke expires on June 30. The 23-year-old provides added value with his versatility, as he can also be an option in the back-three as well as holding midfield, if required.
So, the summer rebuilding at Arsenal has officially kicked off, with Kolasinac set to complete his switch to the Emirates imminently. It now remains to be seen if Wenger is able to secure the services of his other targets as well as keep hold of contract rebels, Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil ahead of the 2017/18 season.
