Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta hit with transfer headache as Schalke make Kolasinac decision

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Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has a fresh transfer headache after Schalke finalised their decision on the future of Sead Kolasinac. Though the Gunners are in need of a left-back to provide cover for Kieran Tierney, Kolasinac fell out of favour under Arteta.

Kolasinac played just one game in the Premier League this season, mainly being left on the bench or not included in the matchday squad.

Kolasinac became a fan favourite at the Emirates Stadium for his all-action performances after joining the club in 2017.

But while he was the first-choice left-back under Unai Emery, his replacement as Arsenal boss, Arteta, was less impressed.

Tierney dislodged him in the Arsenal team after signing from Celtic, though his injury issues meant a quality backup was needed.

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Arteta clearly did not think that Kolasinac could provide that, with the Bosnian international allowed to leave on loan in the January transfer window, despite no new left-back coming in.

The club he joined was Bundesliga side Schalke, the side where he first broke into senior football.

Kolasinac became an ever-present once he moved back to the Veltins Arena, and even became captain of the team.

But, while the 27-year-old gained valuable playing time, it was not a successful spell for the club, with Die Königsblauen suffering one of their worst ever seasons.

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They were relegated from the German top-flight for the first time in 30 years after winning just three games and racking up only 16 points all season.

Schalke won two of those games with Kolasinac in the starting line-up, with many expecting he would stay on to help them get promoted from the second tier.

But those expectations appear to be misplaced, with the German club now confirming that he will return to Arsenal.

“This decision hurts us both in sport and human terms,” said Peter Knäbel, director of sport and communication at Schalke.

“In view of the current budget and squad structure – all the known and publicly discussed challenges – there was no alternative.

“We have to be so honest. In view of the short preparation and the early start of the season, we cannot afford a week-long hang-up game either, but have to make decisions for Schalke 04 now.

“That’s why we decided on this clear cut.”

With Arteta hoping to conduct a squad rebuild over the summer after his own disappointing season, Kolasinac’s return hands him another player to move out of the club.

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