Arsenal open talks with Schalke defender Sead Kolasinac as they pursue summer Bosman capture

• Arsenal are pursuing a Bosman move for Schalke defender Sead Kolasinac
• The Bosnia international defender's deal at Schalke expires in the summer 
• Chelsea failed with a January bid while Liverpool have also posted an interest

Arsenal have opened talks with Schalke defender Sead Kolasinac.

The 23-year-old left-back was the subject of a failed £5.3million bid from Chelsea in January while Manchester City, Juventus and Liverpool have also posted an interest.

Arsenal spoke to his representatives initially in January and have made further contact as they are keen to sign the Bosnia international this summer when his contract runs out.

Kolasinac, who was born in Germany, has a German passport and represented the country from U18 to U20 level, can also play at centre-back or as a defensive midfielder.

He has 17 caps for Bosnia, where his parents hail from.

Despite Chelsea's January bid, Manchester City had seemed favourites in recent weeks for Kolasinac but Arsenal's interest could prove persuasive.

Arsenal's European scouts attended a club meeting last week to report to Arsene Wenger on targets that have been watched over recent months with the club looking to add four or five new faces depending on departures.