Football
Mattias Karen, Arsenal correspondent 7y

Arsenal to sign Schalke's Sead Kolasinac on free transfer - source

Arsenal have won the race to sign Schalke left-back Sead Kolasinac, with the Bosnia and Herzegovina international set to join on a free transfer on July 1, a source confirmed to ESPN FC.

The deal was first reported by Sky Sports.

Kolasinac had been choosing between Arsenal and AC Milan, with Everton reportedly also interested in the defender. But a club source said Arsenal are confident the signing will be completed when the player's contract with Schalke expires on June 30.

The 23-year-old gives Arsenal a long-term replacement for Nacho Monreal, although his arrival at the Emirates could also increase the chances of Kieran Gibbs moving elsewhere.

Kolasinac can also play as a wing-back, which would fit into Arsene Wenger's newly adopted back-three formation if the Arsenal manager sticks with the system next season.

He excels in defending one-on-one situations and also offers an attacking threat going forward, having scored three goals and setting up five in the Bundesliga this season.

Arsenal had been widely reported to sign a new left-back this summer, but getting Kolasinac on a free transfer means the club can spend more money on other positions -- with a striker reported to top the list.

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