CONFIRMED! Schalke defender Sead Kolasinac to join Arsenal and sign ‘long-term’ deal

Arsenal have confirmed defender Sead Kolasinac will join the club from Schalke on a free transfer this summer.

According to a club statement, the 23-year-old Bosnia-Herzegovina international will sign a 'long-term' deal with the Gunners when his contract in Germany expires.

However, Schalke's own statement wishing the player well claimed he has signed with the Gunners until 2022.

"Sead Kolasinac will complete a move to Arsenal FC upon the expiry of his contract with Schalke 04 on 30th June 2017," it read.

"The reigning FA Cup winners, who finished fifth in the 2016/17 Premier League campaign, have agreed a deal with the 23-year-old left back which runs until 2022."

Kolasinac came through the ranks at Schalke and made over 100 appearances for the Bundelsiga outfit.

The German-born defender operates at left-back and his arrival will throw into doubt the future of Kieran Gibbs, who has yet to negotiate fresh terms at the Emirates Stadium.

Kolasinac had reportedly been attracting the interest of Premier League rivals Chelsea and Everton but it has been understood for some time that a move to Arsenal was on the cards.

The announcement, made with a short statement on the club's official website, makes Kolasinac the first new recruit for Wenger after he signed a new, two-year deal to continue as Arsenal boss.

Wenger, as well as chief executive Ivan Gazidis and majority shareholder Stan Kroenke, has targeted a run at the Premier League crown next season.

Arsenal will also participate in the Europa League having missed out on Champions League qualification for the first time in 19 years.

Kolasinac has experience of the Europa League and is likely to be competing against Nacho Monreal for a place in Wenger's side.

And, just in case you were wondering...