Arsenal are reportedly closing in on the services of Schalke full-back Sead Kolasinac, who is due to make a decision on his future move next week. The Bosnian footballer is available on a Bosman in the summer after having turned down a fresh contract at the Veltins-Arena.
Kolasinac has been strongly linked with a move to the Emirates over the past month with sources previously suggesting that he has agreed to a four-year contract with the north London club.
According to Metro, via German outlet Bild, the 23-year-old will decide on his next move in the coming week with AC Milan and Manchester City having also placed offers for his services.
In spite of this, the Gunners are understood to be favourites to sign the former German youth international after the player received assurances that Arsene Wenger would stay at the helm next season.
Kolasinac, who is currently on £35,000-a-week, could be seen as a potential replacement for left-back Nacho Monreal, who is being linked with a summer exit from the Gunners.
Monreal has shown signs of his old self over the past couple of outings, and he is nevertheless said to be the subject of interest from Athletic Bilbao, who have failed with multiple attempts to acquire his signature in recent seasons.
Meanwhile, backup defender Kieran Gibbs has not got much of a run-in in the Gunners first-team this season, and his future remains bleak with his contract yet to be extended beyond June 2018.
Kolasinac has previously featured for Schalke with the three at the back formation, and he would have no difficulties in adjusting to either a left wing-back or central defensive role next term, owing to his versatility.
The Bosnian has provided three goals and five assists for Schalke in the Bundesliga this term whilst having made at least two tackles/interceptions per game.
