Arsenal are reportedly ready to rival Liverpool for Sead Kolasinac having opened talks with the left back.
Sead Kolasinac playing against Spain for Bosnia
According to the Daily Mail, Arsenal have opened talks with Schalke defender Sead Kolasinac over a free transfer move to the Emirates Stadium.
Schalke lost one defender at the end of his contract last season, as Joel Matip made his move to Liverpool on a free transfer in 2016 – and they face a similar situation this summer.
Defender Kolasinac, signed from Stuttgart in 2011, has become a first-team star with Schalke, racking up almost 125 first-team appearances for the club.
The 23-year-old Bosnian international, who has 17 caps for his country, is out of contract at the end of the season and can open talks with other clubs over pre-contract agreements.
Now, the Daily Mail report that Kolasinac has opened talks with Arsenal over a summer move to the Emirates Stadium, with the Gunners in desperate need of defensive reinforcements after Monday’s embarrassing 3-0 defeat at Crystal Palace.
Primarily a left back, Kolasinac could offer competition for Nacho Monreal, especially if Kieran Gibbs leaves the club, but he can also play at centre back or in holding midfield, meaning he’s a versatile option for Arsene Wenger.
Sead Kolasinac playing for Schalke
On a free transfer, Kolasinac could be ideal for Arsenal given that he still has huge potential, but Arsenal are unsurprisingly not alone in their pursuit of the out of contract defender.
The report notes that Liverpool have also made their interest clear, and Jurgen Klopp is in desperate need of a left back given Alberto Moreno’s struggles and James Milner playing out of position, meaning Kolasinac could reunite with former team-mate Matip at Anfield – unless Arsenal can quickly close a deal.
Would you like to see Arsenal sign Kolasinac?
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
