Arsenal: Sead Kolasinac’s future in balance

Sead Kolasinac’s Arsenal future is in the balance. Despite his cult hero status, his defensive frailties and poor offensive output, along with the signing of Kieran Tierney, make his departure all the more likely.

Like every Arsenal signing, Sead Kolasinac’s arrival was met with widespread excitement. Expectations were high for a player who had reportedly flourished in the Bundesliga. And he seemingly fit the need for a physical, athletic addition.

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Defensive frailties apparent, fans had long been calling for a burly and pugnacious defender. An explosive attacking threat to pair with Hector Bellerin was also desired. Video evidence and statistics suggested that that is exactly what the Bosnian would provide.

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Arriving on a pre-contract basis, Kolasinac was deemed a ‘bargain’. Five assists embellished with three goals led to him being named in the 2016/17 Bundesliga Team of the Year. His signing was seen as a coup.

Nonetheless, like many before him, Kolasinac’s time in a red and white shirt has not gone to plan. The early signs were encouraging, the ‘Bosnian Hulk’ was named the club’s Player of the Month in two of the first three months of the 2017/18 season, but his defensive frailties soon became apparent. Arsène Wenger became reluctant — much like his successor — to deploy Kolasinac as a traditional left-back, preferring both Ainsley Maitland-Niles and Nacho Monreal.

For all of his physical qualities, Kolasinac can often look clumsy and sluggish, his feet stuck in treacle. Sloppiness in possession and inconsistent delivery is also an issue. With that being said, he was a key figure in Unai Emery’s early success. Arsenal were over-reliant upon his forward ventures towards the end of last season, a clear sign of his capabilities, if they are somewhat limited at the elite level.

Even so, it is only a matter of time before Kolasinac is demoted to the bench. Although Kieran Tierney has only made a handful of appearances to date, he already has the look of a stalwart and represents a clear upgrade. His displays in the Europa League and EFL Cup thus far, while against lesser quality opposition, have left fans salivating at his future, a cultured left-foot, aggressive attitude and athletic make-up comprising a bright left-back prospect.

Tierney will be the starter. Kolasinac must adapt. He may well have a future at the Emirates, but his lack of development is concerning. As proven in the summer, head of football Raul Sanllehi will not tolerate stagnation or a player whose contributions do not match their salary, and Kolasinac currently classifies as both.

His Arsenal future is firmly in the balance. FC Schalke 04 were reportedly interested in re-signing him over the summer, however, the astronomical wages associated with pre-contract agreements (Kolasinac supposedly earns £100,000/week) brought any prospect of such transfer to a halt.

Watching Kolasinac barreling down the left-hand side is a sight to behold. Nevertheless, being lackadaisical, sloppy, and unproductive will do little to help his cause. And at present, these latter shortcomings reign. His Arsenal future is in the balance and it might just tip the wrong way.