Schalke are holding crucial talks over the future of Sead Kolasinac this week, with Arsenal willing to let the defender leave.

German outlet Sport1 report that Schalke want to bring Sead Kolasinac back for next season, and they’ll hold “final talks” with the player this week.

After succumbing to relegation this season, Schalke have a fairly speedy turnaround time, with pre-season starting on June 14th and the new campaign kicking off on July 23rd. As a result, they’re keen to get clarity on Kolasinac’s situation as soon as possible.

The left-back still has a contract with Arsenal until 2022, but Sport1 report that the club are basically ready to give him up. The suggestion is that Kolasinac would move on a free transfer, and that’s not surprising.

Given the financial constraints imposed by relegation, Schalke aren’t going to be able to afford a significant transfer fee anyway. It’s going to be tough enough paying Kolasinac’s wages, and he’ll likely have to take a cut for that reason.

It may still be worth it to Arsenal, who obviously handed Kolasinac a larger contract than usual given he arrived on a free transfer in the first place. Getting those wages off the bill and freeing up a squad space is important.

Schalke aren’t the only club in for Kolasinac, though. Lazio of Serie A are also reportedly in the mix, so it’s going to be interesting to see how the talks with Schalke pan out this week.