Arsenal FC are looking to sign 22-year-old FC Schalke left-back Sead Kolasinac, as a possible replacement for the out-going Spaniard Nacho Monreal.
Monreal, 29 has been linked with a move back to Atheltic Bilbao, with Arsenal FC reportedly willing to let the left-back leave. The 29-year-old former Malaga man was ever-present in the Gunners line-up last season, having established himself as the club’s no. 1.
Kolasinac fell down the pecking order at FC Schalke
Arsenal FC were earlier looking to sign Augsburg’s highly rated left-back Abdul Baba Rahman, but have seemingly given up on his chase, as he nears to a Chelsea FC move, after being assured by Jose Mourinho, regarding his involvement in the first team, as Felipe Luis heads back to Atletico Madrid.
22-year-old Kolasinac, fell down the pecking order last year under Roberto di Matteo at the Veltins-Arena, making only 6 appearances for the . Die Knappen. The Bosnia and Herzegovina international, was ever present in his country’s participation in the 2014 World Cup and according to Tutto Mercato, The Gunners are looking to add him to their ranks.
Kolasinac a back-up to Gibbs?
Nacho Monreal, is reportedly close to leaving the Emirates, after spending two and a half years with the club. Athletic Bilbao have an unwritten mandatory condition of only signing players of Basque origin, and Monreal fits into it.
Arsenal FC will have only one left-back in their squad if the Spaniard left, the injury-prone Kieran Gibbs, and relying on him alone for a whole season could turn out to be a potential disaster for The Gunners’ title challenge this season. However, there’s no doubting the quality of the English left-back.
Kolasinac, who can also play in midfield, could be used as a potential understudy to Gibbs, however, it is believed that the two will be fighting for the left-back slot in the team. A shrewd signing by Wenger if he pulls it off, but how soon will the 22-year-old adapt to the trials and tribunals of the Premier League, remains to be seen.