FC Schalke are hoping to bounce back from their Bundesliga relegation with the help of a Sead Kolasinac comeback next season.

German outlet Sport1 report that Schalke are aiming to achieve immediate promotion back to the Bundesliga with the help of Klaas-Jan Huntelaar and Arsenal loanee Sead Kolasinac – following last week’s relegation.

“It’s about leaders, that’s very important to us,” said sports director Peter Knäbel.

“When I look at the two of them and how they live the club – Huntelaar is a pure role model. I hope that Seo gains even more physique so that he can bring his power to the field.”

The sporting director did admit that there were financial constraints that could impact their ability to bring Kolasinac back. After all, he is still under contract with Arsenal until 2022, so the Gunners would be well within their rights to demand a transfer fee.

Then you’ve got to take into account Kolasinac’s wages, which were abnormally high when he joined Arsenal due to his status as a free agent. To go from being a higher earner at Arsenal to a second-tier club in Germany is going to require a serious wage cut.

But if the willingness to return is there from Kolasinac, you never know. If he pushes the deal and makes compromises on salary, Arsenal may decide it’s worth cutting ties and moving on to get those wages off their books.