As reported in an exclusive by Tutto Mercato, Arsenal are in the market to sign Schalke left-back Sead Kolasinac.

What's the word?

With Nacho Monreal turning 30 and Kieran Gibbs unable to force his way into Arsene Wenger’s plans, Arsenal’s long-term prospects on the left hand side of defence aren’t particularly great.

Tutto Mercato say that in order to solve that problem, Arsenal are ready to hijack Juventus and beat them to the signing of Bosnian international Sead Kolasinac.

Juventus are said by the outlet to have already made contact with the defender, whose contract runs out in the summer. Now Arsenal are in the frame to get their man and will try to bring him to the Emirates in the summer.

Football Soccer - Greece v Bosnia and Herzegovina - 2018 World Cup Qualifying European Zone - Group H  - Georgios Karaiskakis stadium, Piraeus, Greece - 13/11/16 Greece's Yannis Giannotas and Bosnia and Herzegovina's Sead Kolasinac in action. REUTERS/Alkis Konstantinidis

Who is he?

Kolasinac is well established in the Schalke first team, having made over 100 appearances for the German side over four and a half seasons. That may be in part due to him being a versatile player, with the ability to play both at left back and at left midfield. He can also deputise as a centre back if needed.

The 23-year old has been in fabulous form this season, scoring twice and assisting goals four times across the campaign.

He has international experience too, winning 17 caps for Bosnia and Herzegovina since making his debut in 2013.

With his contract running out, signing him is relatively risk free and as noted, Arsenal badly need more quality options on their left hand side.

Is this the man to solve that problem?

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