Who is Sead Kolasinac? Arsenal’s new signing from Schalke 04 and Bosnian international left-back
Kolasinac has joined the Gunners for free this summer after the Gunners beat off competition from a host of Premier League clubs
ARSENAL have announced the signing of Sead Kolasinac on a free transfer.
Arsene Wenger has celebrated his new deal by snapping up the Schalke left-back on a deal worth £7.5million a year.
Who is Sead Kolasinac?
Kolasinac was born in Karlsruhe, Germany, in 1993.
He arrived at Schalke in 2012, via hometown club Karlsruher SC and Hoffenheim.
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Despite representing Germany at Under-18, Under-19 and Under-20 level, he opted to play for his parents' homeland of Bosnia and Herzegovina in 2013.
What type of player is Sead Kolasinac?
Kolasinac is recognised as a left-back but known for his ability to play in any position across the defence.
In his early days with Schalke's second team he was deployed at centre-back and defensive midfield.
He has also thrived in a wing-back role since Schalke's switch to a 3-5-2.
And his reputation for physicality and excellent timing in the air will no doubt be an asset in the Premier League.
Players from Kieran Gibbs to Granit Xhaka could all have reason to be concerned about their future with the Gunners if Kolasinac hits the ground running.
Were any other clubs interested in signing him?
According to reports, Liverpool, Man City and Chelsea had all been keen to secure Kolasinac's signature.
Additionally, AC Milan, Juventus and Roma were believed to have made offers.
Juve had been hoping close friend and Bosnia team-mate Miralem Pjanic could convince him his future lied in Turin, but he has instead opted for the Emirates.
