Arsenal have reportedly joined Juventus in the racefor the signature ofFC Schalke 04 left-back Sead Kolasinac, with the player set to be available for free in the summer transfer window.
The Serbia international is out of contract with the Bundesliga side at the end of the season and has been said to be extremely determined for a new challenge somewhere in Europe having spent 5 years with the side he has progressed through from the youth set-up.
And according toTutto Mercato Web, the Gunners face stiff competition from Serie A giants Juventus to persuade the 23-year-old to leave Germany, after further reports suggest that Arsenal have already made an offer to Kolasinac to move to north London come the end of the season.
Boss Arsene Wenger will be keen to find a replacement for current first-team left-back Nacho Monreal, who has come under criticism for some of his performances this campaign, while he will also be wary of his injury list, which sees defenders Hector Bellerin and Kieran Gibbs out for a lengthy period.
Schalke wants €3M for their left-back Sead Kolasinac, Juventus want to sign him in january if Evra leaves Juve. [CS]
Meanwhile, the Old Lady are looking to find a suitable long-term replacement for current left-back and veteran Patrice Evra, who looks likely to leave the reigning Italian champions in May after joining the club in the summer of 2014 from Manchester United.
Evra has also been linked to a move away from Turin in the current transfer window, with Crystal Palace said to be interested in bring in the 35-year-old, which could see Juventus take action to bring Kolasinac in before his contract runs out.