It seems all the processions, the aeroplane feat and the rants and chants have just managed to shake up the sleeping Arsenal board with various reports claiming that the club has completed the signing of Bundesliga full-back Sead Kolasinac.
The Bosnian international was closing at the end of his contract with Schalke with many numerous Premier League clubs like Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea, Liverpool, Everton, Manchester City queueing up for him. And the fact that Arsenal have won the race for his signature speaks volumes about their new-found alertness.
Left-back’s position has been a source of huge concern for Arsene Wenger this season too. The two available options of Kieran Gibbs and Nacho Monreal have had their own problems. While injuries have complemented them throughout the season keeping them out of contention every now and then, their inconsistency has been a different issue altogether.
While Monreal has been susceptible to pace with players like Middlesbrough’s Adama Traore, Manchester City’ Raheem Sterling and Liverpool’s Sadio Mane quite visibly catching him off-guard; Kieran Gibbs has been clueless in the face of quality dribblers proving how average a defender he is.
A new left-back in the Arsenal squad was due for a long time and Kolasinac could actually be a good fit. A full-back with such a strong built is a very rare occurrence and the 23-year-old’s agility is the icing on the cake. Starting his career as a centre-half, Kolasinac can also be a versatile option for Arsene Wenger, who is often found running out of options in midseason owing to injuries.
Possessing a well-tailored left foot, Kolasinac can also be effective from advanced positions providing some mouth-watering crosses into the box and his huge presence also enables him to be a good defensive midfielder.
The 183cm defender is known for his aggressive approach and brilliant one-on-one defending, something Arsenal desperately needs, given their nightmarish display as of late. The Gunners have conceded 59 goals so far despite having one of the best back lines in the league.
Born in Germany, Kolasinac started his youth career with Karlsruher SC and made his way up ranks of Hoffenheim and Stuttgart before Schalke picked him in 2011. He has since been a regular player for the club. He has scored 3 times and assisted five so far this season with his latest eye-catching performance being that of a man of the match display against Mainz.
Breaking into the Bosnian national team in as early as 2013, Kolasinac has been capped 23 times. For a 23-year-old, he is vastly experienced and Arsenal might have just solved their long-term problem for free.
