Arsenal Transfer News: Reported Sead Kolasinac Agreement Doubted, Latest Rumours

Doubts have emerged about Arsenal agreeing a deal to sign Schalke 04 left-back Sead Kolasinac on a free transfer this summer, after the player's father indicated his son still has to decide between the Gunners and AC Milan.

Kolasinac's father spoke with TV N1 Sarajevo (h/t Football Italia) to say his son hasn't signed a pre-contract agreement with any club. He also gave interested suitor Milan hope by revealing "next week we will decide everything."

Those comments naturally cast doubt on the idea Arsenal had moved quickly to wrap up their first signing of this summer's transfer window ahead of schedule.

Kolasinac was said to have signed for the Gunners despite interest from Premier League duo Everton and Chelsea as well as the Rossoneri, per Fabrizio Romano and Sachin Nakrani of the Guardian:

"

The 23-year-old looked set to move to Goodison Park on a free transfer following the expiry of his contract with Schalke in June and having been in advanced talks with Everton officials. However, Arsenal have stolen in to seal a deal for the highly rated left-back after agreeing to offer the player a salary in excess of that he would have received on Merseyside.

"

Arsenal later refused the chance to deny these reports, according to Sky Sports News HQ.

Yet now there is an air of uncertainty about a deal that makes a lot of sense for the Gunners on the surface. For one thing, Kolasinac would add a lot to the left-back berth, a position weighed down by question marks this season.

Regular starter Nacho Monreal is a committed and savvy defender as well as an underrated and useful outlet going forward. However, if there's one drawback to Monreal's game it concerns the 31-year-old's lack of elite pace.

Backup Kieran Gibbs offers greater quickness both in the final third and defensive areas. Yet Gibbs' contract is set to expire in just over 12 months, although Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has indicated he wants to keep the England international, per Paul Doyle of the Guardian.

Even so, Kolasinac would represent a smart signing, particularly on a free transfer. The Bosnia and Herzegovina international has improved mightily in the Bundesliga this season and can even operate at centre-back, according to MailOnline's Glen Williams.

Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images

The problem with completing any deal may be Arsenal possibly being unable to offer a place in the UEFA Champions League next season. Wenger's men have played in Europe's premier club competition for 19 years running but currently sit 10 points adrift of the top four in England's top flight.

Arsenal not having the lure of Champions League football could make it easier for AC Milan to secure Kolasinac's signature if the player is still mulling his future.

Adding more power and pace to a back four bullied in the air and beaten for speed too often this season has to be a priority for Wenger. Snapping up Kolasinac without having to pay a transfer fee would be a terrific way for the Gunners to start the process of fortifying their suspect defence.