Arsenal: Sead Kolasinac does not justify selling Hector Bellerin

Arsenal are set to sign Sead Kolasinac on July 1st when his contract expires. That addition, though, does not justify selling other players, like Hector Bellerin.

The summer transfer window is here and eternal optimism – well, optimism that lasts until late August, anyway – that it brings is already sweeping Arsenal circles. On Monday afternoon, it was revealed by Sky Sports that the Gunners are set to sign Sead Kolasinac when his current contract expires on July 1st.

Related Story: Arsenal: 3 players affected by Sead Kolasinac signing

He is an astute addition. A 23-year-old left back who direcrly addresses a position of need. He boasts the blend of athleticism and attacking intent that all modern day full-backs posses these days, and has a wonderful left-foot, with an accurate and consistent delivery, from both open play and set pieces.

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The revelation has sent fans, myself included, into a state of deluded hope that this is set to be a significant summer in which Arsene Wenger makes key improvements to a stagnating and rotting squad. And so the eternal optimism begins.

But while euphoria surrounds the impending addition of Kolasinac, there is cause for worry regarding the futures of many of the more established and accomplished members of the squad. Both Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez have refuted contract negotiations on a number of occasions; Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has publicly discussed the possibility of leaving this summer; Lucas Perez, after just one, frustrating season in England, seems set to return to Spain.

Another who is being heavily linked with a possible exit is Hector Bellerin. Reports in the Spanish media claim that the 22-year-old is being eyed up by his former club, Barcelona, as their long-term solution to their right back problems now that Dani Alves has moved on. From a Barca perspective, it is a move that makes great sense. Bellerin is an immediate improvement on their mire of current options, he is acclimatised with their style of play and possesses the pace and the technical to skill to offer the attacking threat that they seek in their full-backs.

However, Arsenal must be resolute and determined to hold onto their stars. Bellerin was signed on a free transfer when Cesc Fabregas, after a similarly long and drawn out process, returned to his boyhood, Catalan club, and has benefitted from the time, the energy and the resources that Arsene Wenger and his coaching staff have ploughed into him. It would be nonsensical for all that effort to culminate in his leaving just as his prime approaches.

Next: Arsenal: 3 more reasons to celebrate Sead Kolasinac transfer

And that brings me back to the addition of Kolasinac. The Bosnian international is an undoubtedly beneficial and improving addition. But it does not justify the selling of other players. Arsenal are in a position where they must buy to improve, not buy to replace, starting with Hector Bellerin.