Arsenal are interested in signing Schalke star Sead Kolasinac to replace the potentially departing Nacho Monreal, reports the Metro.
The Spaniard is a target for Athletic Bilbao, and with him being part of the small pool of Basque players whom the club could sign, the Lions may well push for a deal.
This is despite the Gunners not having an interest in selling the 29-year-old, despite suggestions that a fee of £7 million has been agreed for his services [Daily Mirror].
However, if the North Londoners do end up letting the defender go, they will certainly need a replacement.
Monreal made 36 appearances in the last campaign, displaying his importance to the squad. If the Gunners are going to challenge Chelsea for the Premier League title and compete strongly in the other competitions, then squad depth will be vital.
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Kolasinac could be the perfect man to take over from him. The left-back can also cover in the middle of the back line as Monreal can, and, at 22-years-old, can still improve. Having been a regular for Schalke before a knee injury marred his last campaign, there is plenty for Arsene Wenger to improve upon should he look to make the youngster a new project.
Kieran Gibbs could even be knocked out of contention for the left-back role by the Bosnia and Herzegovina international, if Arsenal are able to fight off the other clubs interested in his signature.
Juventus, Roma, Inter Milan, and Fiorentina are all keen on the defender according to the Metro, and will provide a stern test for the Premier League side.
Arsenal’s decision to move for Kolasinac would appear to end their interest in Napoli’s full-back Faouzi Ghoulam. The Algeria international had been linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium side [Mirror], but now appears to have been usurped in Wenger’s affections according to the Metro.
Instead, the Fennec may secure a move to Chelsea-with whom he has also been linked for a £10.8 million move [Metro]-where he would be a more than able replacement for the departing Filipe Luis [The Guardian].