Arsenal aren’t in talks to sell or loan Sead Kolasinac this summer, despite reports to the contrary linking him with a return to FC Schalke.

Sky Sport Germany reported this week that FC Schalke were working a return for Arsenal defender Sead Kolasinac.

They claimed Kolasinac was willing to make a return and held initial talks with his former club, with his salary proving the biggest obstacle. Sky went on to add that a loan was on the table, dividing Kolasinac’s salary between the two clubs.

PA Sport journalist Mark Mann-Bryans suggests this report is wide of the mark, however.

He tweeted out that, as things stand, there are no talks, offers or negotiations for the player. Kolasinac ‘remains happy to stay’ with Arsenal ahead of next season.

He wasn’t included in Arsenal’s squad for their 4-1 win at MK Dons, but that was because his partner was having their baby:

https://www.instagram.com/p/CEUtbwAJZNv/?igshid=plaief08jkd2

The 27-year-old made 32 appearances for Arsenal last season, arguably in large part thanks to the injury to Kieran Tierney. The left-back featured a lot less once Tierney and Bukayo Saka presented themselves as options again.

Mikel Arteta did make the defender a starter again after lockdown. At the time, he was scrambling to find anyone who could play as a left-footed centre-back in Pablo Mari’s injury absence.

But Tierney ended up taking that spot for the key games and Arsenal are now signing Gabriel Magalhaes to join Mari when he returns.

Assuming Arteta switches to a back four this season, Kolasinac will likely end up as a rotation option behind Tierney at left-back. If the head coach sticks with a three, Kolasinac may find himself competing with both Tierney and Saka at wing-back.

But it seems the Bosnia and Herzegovina international is happy to stick it out anyway. He has a contract with Arsenal lasting until 2022.