Sead Kolasinac will return to Arsenal and is drawing interest from a couple of the top Turkish clubs as well as Lazio, according to reports.

BERLIN, GERMANY: Sead Kolasinac of FC Schalke 04 battles for possession with Petar Musa of 1. FC Union Berlin during the Bundesliga match between 1. FC Union Berlin and FC Schalke 04 at Stadion An der Alten Foersterei on February 13, 2021. (Photo by Maja Hitij/Getty Images)
BERLIN, GERMANY: Sead Kolasinac of FC Schalke 04 battles for possession with Petar Musa of 1. FC Union Berlin during the Bundesliga match between 1. FC Union Berlin and FC Schalke 04 at Stadion An der Alten Foersterei on February 13, 2021. (Photo by Maja Hitij/Getty Images)

Speculation is starting to grow around the future of Sead Kolasinac, with clubs from Turkey the latest to join the race after it was confirmed he would be leaving Schalke, following their relegation, and despite their desire to keep him.

“This decision hurts us both sportily and personally,” said Peter Knäbel, Director of Sport and Communication, quoted on the club’s website. “In view of the current budget and squad structure – all the known and publicly discussed challenges – there was no alternative we can’t afford to have a week-long hang-out in view of the short preparation and the early start of the season, but have to make decisions for Schalke 04 now. That’s why we decided on this clear cut.”

Their website also stated, “Over the past days, the management have closely examined the current parameters regarding squad planning and development and have concluded that Sead Kolasinac and Klaas-Jan Huntelaar’s second spells at the club will not continue into the new season.”

Although he will initially return to Arsenal, with a year remaining on his current deal, few expect to ever see him in an Arsenal shirt again after 113 appearances, five goals and 15 assists.

On Sunday, FotoMac reported that Fenerbahce were interested in reuniting Kolasinac with ex-Arsenal teammate Mesut Özil. However, the outlet added that they’re only likely to go after Kolasinac if they sell Filip Novak, which isn’t certain at this stage.

That might provide an opportunity for Galatasaray to steal a march on their rivals. According to Sabah (via Sporx), the Super Lig club have contacted Arsenal for Kolasinac, and the player has already enquired with Özil over playing in Turkey.

Obviously, neither club are expecting to pay a significant fee for Kolasinac. That’s no surprise, considering at that time, one of the leading clubs after his signature was Schalke, who have now made their position clear.

Lazio are also reportedly interested.

For now, it’s all a matter of where Kolasinac ends up, on what terms, and how much Arsenal can squeeze from the market for him.