Arsenal have confirmed the signing of Sead Kolasinac, who will join the club on a free transfer from Schalke.

The North London club have won the race to sign the Bosnian defender, beating competition from the likes of Juventus and Chelsea for his signature.

In a statement released on Tuesday, the Gunners announced that the 23-year-old will join the Gunners “on a long-term contract” and will link up for pre-season training in July “subject to the completion of all regulatory processes”.

Arsenal had been keeping tabs on Kolasinac since the start of the 2015-16 season. They stepped up their interest in the last year and, as reported by Goalthe left-back completed a medical and agreed personal terms with the club at the end of April.

The Bosnia and Herzegovina international, who can play at left back, centre back and midfield, emerged as a key player for Schalke in recent seasons, featuring for the club in the Champions League and Europa League.

Born in Germany, Kolasinac played for the country of his birth at youth level before switching allegiance to Bosnia and Herzegovina in 2013.