Bayer Leverkusen plan to hold talks over a permanent move for Sead Kolasinac this week, with Arsenal asking for €10m, according to reports.

WATFORD, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 15: Sead Kolasinac of Arsenal looks on during the Premier League match between Watford FC and Arsenal FC at Vicarage Road on September 15, 2019 in Watford, United Kingdom. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
WATFORD, ENGLAND: Sead Kolasinac of Arsenal looks on during the Premier League match on September 15, 2019. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

Sport Bild (via Spox) report that Bayer Leverkusen will hold specific talks with Sead Kolasinac this week. Arsenal are willing to sell for a fee of €10m. Leverkusen do want a permanent transfer, and Kolasinac would like a return to Germany.

There’s still a way to go. Leverkusen want to reduce the player’s €9m salary, and FC Schalke and AS Roma are also in the race. There’s obviously the personal connection between Kolasinac and Schalke, as one of their former players.

It’s always good to have lots of interest to spark a bidding war, but Schalke aren’t very useful for that. They want Kolasinac on loan with an option to buy, and they’re hoping Arsenal will help cover the left-back’s wages. None of that is ideal for the Gunners.

David Ornstein recently reported that West Ham United are also in for the defender. They’re looking at Kolasinac or Emerson Palmieri as summer targets at the back.

It’s starting to seem like a €10m sale isn’t out of the question. Those are all fairly high-profile clubs, and other than Schalke, they can all probably afford it.

It could suit all parties, with Kolasinac unlikely to play much at Arsenal with Kieran Tierney, Ainsley Maitland-Niles and Bukayo Saka for competition.