Arsenal make encouraging transfer move- Perhaps Arsene Wenger is learning

MAINZ, GERMANY - MARCH 19: Sead Kolasinac of Schalke 04 celebrates after scoring a goal during the Bundesliga match between 1. FSV Mainz 05 and FC Schalke 04 at Opel Arena on March 19, 2017 in Mainz, Germany. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Bongarts/Getty Images)
MAINZ, GERMANY - MARCH 19: Sead Kolasinac of Schalke 04 celebrates after scoring a goal during the Bundesliga match between 1. FSV Mainz 05 and FC Schalke 04 at Opel Arena on March 19, 2017 in Mainz, Germany. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Bongarts/Getty Images) /
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Sead Kolasinac should help Arsenal immensely

Arsenal fans looking for a reason to believe in Arsene Wenger have been handed an encouraging transfer sign. Bringing in Sead Kolasinac should help the Gunners solve their defensive deficiencies next season.

Reports from England claim that Arsenal have already agreed to a pre-contract with the Bosnian left back. Kolasinac has enjoyed an excellent season this year for Schalke, and figures to become an instant starter for the Gunners. His arrival should begin the phasing out of Nacho Monreal from Wenger’s starting XI.

Kolasinac has been one of the Bundesliga’s top rated statistical players this season. His Whoscored.com player rating average of 7.48 in 21 League appearances shows that his game should translate well to the Premier League. There’s a reason why Arsenal had to move so quickly to secure his services.

The decision to bring in Kolasinac could signal a significant shift in Wenger’s transfer philosophy. Previously, Arsenal have  focused most of their energies trying to bring in bright, young attacking talent. The Bosnian left back is bright, young and talented, but he makes his presence felt on the defensive end of the pitch.

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He also has shown the ability to play as a midfielder for Schalke. Arsenal fans shouldn’t assume he will only play for Wenger as a fullback. It’s quite likely he can move up in the formation when Wenger needs a bit more steel in the midfield. His arrival will provide the Gunners with a great deal of tactical flexibility.

In fairness to Wenger, his biggest purchase last summer was intended to give the club a bit more steel as well. Arsenal fans will need to hope that Kolasinac integrates himself into the squad better than Granit Xhaka. The Swiss midfielder has been one of the most disappointing transfers in the club’s history.

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It may be too late in Arsene Wenger’s career for him to evolve massively, but it doesn’t mean he’s entirely stuck in his ways. The decision to sign Sead Kolasinac is, at the minimum, a sign that Wenger understands his club’s biggest summer need.