ARSENE WENGER HAS completed his first signing of the summer transfer window with the acquisition of 23-year-old Schalke defender Sead Kolasinac.
Born in Germany, the left sided player has operated in both defence and midfield throughout his career and signs on a free transfer having spent his entire senior career in the Bundesliga playing for Schalke.
He will join Arsenal on 1 July when his contact at the German club expires, pending a successful medical.
In a statement released on Monday, Arsenal said: “Sead Kolasinac will join us this summer on a long-term contract. Subject to the completion of all regulatory processes, the defender will start pre-season training in July.”
Kolasinac is a Bosnia Herzegovina international despite representing Germany at youth level.
He played twice in the 2014 World Cup, against Iran in a 3-1 victory while also scoring a third minute own goal when Bosnia were defeated 2-1 by finalists Argentina in the group stages.
The defender made over 100 appearances for Schalke from 2012 to 2017, with 23 coming in the Uefa Champions League and Europa League.
Schalke said on Tuesday that following the expiration of his contract the player would join Arsenal.
“Sead Kolasinac will complete a move to Arsenal FC upon the expiry of his contract with Schalke 04 on 30th June 2017,” read the club’s statement.
“The reigning FA Cup winners, who finished fifth in the 2016/17 Premier League campaign, have agreed a deal with the 23-year-old left back which runs until 2022.”
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