Bundesliga News

Kolasinac to Leverkusen? Werkself may have to guarantee playing time

By Peter Weis   @PeterVicey

It has been thirteen whole days since Bayer 04 Leverkusen tabled a "serious offer" to Arsenal FC for the procurement of left fullback Seat Kolasinac. Germany's "SportBild" now reports that player and German club have come to terms. Footballing magazine Kicker also reports movement.
Sead Kolasinac.
Sead Kolasinac.Photo: Chensiyuan, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Die Werkself of Leverkusen have intensified attempts secure the services of Arsenal left back Sead Kolasinac. German footballing magazine Kicker reports that, after spending some time considering other candidates to bolster their defense with, the club have now fixated their attention on their primary target and redoubled their efforts to obtain the former Schalke star.


It is important to note that Kicker, having spoken to Kolasinac's agent, refute the claim made in SportBild that Kolasinac has come to terms with Bayer. This is immensely important as the 27-year-old Bosnian is slated to pocket an annual salary of €9 million should he remain in London. A move to Germany may mean the defender will have to agree to a substantial pay cut.

In light of this news, the decisive factor will likely come down to playing time. After suiting up 78 times for the Gunners in just over three years, it appears as if Kolasinac cannot be guaranteed a place in coach Mikel Arteta's starting XI.

Leverkusen trainer Peter Bosz can hardly promise him a place either. While the Dutch coach favors the procurement of a leg-footed center back, he does have options at the left fullback position with Wendell, Daley Sinkgraven, and even Alexsandr Dragovic. Bosz also appears to have a strong center-back tandem in Sven Bender and Edmond Tapsoba.

Kicker reports that all sides are committed to making a final decision before the weekend. It seems unlikely that Kolasinac will agree to the move unless he can be convinced that he will play a regular role in the team.


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