Report: Arsenal beats Everton to Kolasinac's signature

The battle to sign Sead Kolasinac was reportedly won by Arsenal.

According to the Guardian’s Fabrizio Romano and Sachin Nakrani, Arsenal beat Everton in the race to sign Kolasinac after the Gunners offered a salary in excess of what the Bosnian left-back would have received at Goodison Park.

Kolasinac, 23, apparently looked set to join Everton on a free transfer, as his contract at FC Schalke 04 expires in June and he had been in advanced talks with the Toffees, who were left “surprised” by Arsenal’s bid. AC Milan and Chelsea were allegedly also tracking the player.

Among the Bundesliga’s best left-backs, Koalsinac is outshining David Alaba and Jonas Hector in the top flight of German football. Drive and determination have defined the Balkan full-back, evidenced by Schalke’s 1-0 victory at FSV Mainz 05 in March. After reiterating his desire to play despite a broken nose, he scored the lone goal.