Arsenal are reportedly in advanced talks to pursue the signature of Juventus right-back Stephan Lichtsteiner this summer.
The Switzerland international has already announced his decision to leave the Bianconeri at the expiry of his contract next month, and the Gunners appear to be leading the queue to acquire his signature.
According to Evening Standard, the north Londoners have already made contact with the player’s representatives and they are hoping to make the Swiss the first signing in the post-Arsene Wenger era.
The report further states that the experienced defender has visited Arsenal’s London Colney training ground and a deal could be announced very soon.
A recent report has suggested that Unai Emery has been offered £20m extra on his initial summer budget of £50m but the Spaniard is nevertheless keen on adding more experience in the backline.
As things stand, Laurent Koscielny is likely to be sidelined for the remainder of 2018 with a long-term Achilles injury and Lichtsteiner will no doubt add more leadership at the back, although his role may be restricted.
As per Goal, the Gunners are prepared to offer Lichtsteiner with two-year contract but it will be interesting to see whether he would accept a deputy role at this stage of his career.
The 34-year-old has been more of a regular during his seven years at Juventus but he may have to play second fiddle to Hector Bellerin in the right-back spot, though things may change.
Bellerin has mostly assumed the right-back duties with the Gunners but the likes of Ainsley Maitland-Niles and Calum Chambers have filled in during his absence.
