Juventus defender Stephan Lichtsteiner has stressed that he has yet to agree upon a deal to join Arsenal during this summer’s transfer window.
The Switzerland international was understood to be on the cusp of joining the Gunners after visiting the London Colney training ground on Friday but the 34-year-old has now insisted that it is not the case.
In a report covered by Evening Standard, Lichtsteiner said that ‘nothing’ has been sorted out with the Gunners regarding a summer move and he is keeping his options open for the transfer window.
He said: “Nothing is finished yet. I cannot comment on the negotiations. As long as nothing is completed, that is always interesting in football. I think we all know that.”
Meanwhile, Lichtsteiner added that he is unsure whether he could sign for a new club prior to Switzerland’s World Cup campaign which begins versus Brazil on June 17.
Lichtsteiner has already announced that he would be leaving Juventus at the end of the season and he is due to be available on a free next month.
Unai Emery’s side are alleged to have already offered a one-year contract with the option of a further 12 months but as things stand, the deal appears far from completion.
Strengthening the defence has been made the main priority for the Gunners in the current transfer window and there has been the particular urge to bring in experienced recruits.
Borussia Dortmund’s Sokratis Papastathopoulous has constantly been linked with Arsenal since the close of the season but the club are yet to finalise a deal with the Bundesliga outfit.
Should Lichtsteiner join the Gunners, he is likely to play second fiddle to Hector Bellerin for the right-back role, though his experience and leadership skills could come in handy for the big occasion.
