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SEVEN-YEAR LICH

Arsenal looking to snap-up Juventus ace Stephan Lichtsteiner on free deal next month

Gunners in talks with Swiss defender who has been with the Serie A giants since 2011 and are confident he will become new boss Unai Emery's first signing

By Ian Tuckey, Sun Football Reporter
25th May 2018, 6:00 pm
Updated: 25th May 2018, 7:01 pm

Juventus right-back Stephan Lichsteiner could become new Arsenal chief Unai Emery’s first signing.

The 34-year-old, who is likely to skipper Switzerland at the World Cup, was reportedly close to joining Borussia Dortmund earlier this year.

And the Guardian say the Gunners are in talks over recruiting the former Lazio star on a free transfer next month.

Dortmund and Greece ace Sokratis Papastathopoulos, 29. is thought to be a priority target for Arsenal at centre-back.

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Arsenal appear frontrunners to sign Juventus veteran Stephan Lichtsteiner
Getty - Contributor
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Arsenal appear frontrunners to sign Juventus veteran Stephan Lichtsteiner

But the Gunners are also keen on boosting their defensive options out wide.

Current right-back Hector Bellerin, 23 insists he wants to stay, despite interest from Juventus and former club Barcelona.

Stephan Lichtsteiner has won 98 caps for Sweden and is likely to skipper them at the World Cup
EPA
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Right-back Stephan Lichtsteiner has won 98 caps for Sweden and is likely to skipper them at the World Cup

Nonetheless, Emery is likely to strengthen most ares in defence and midfield after Arsenal finished a tame sixth in the Premier League, 12 points off the top four.

Lichsteiner confirmed to Mediaset earlier this month he will be exiting Italy this summer.

Arsenal chief Unai Emery is closing on his first signing since arriving this week
Getty Images - Getty
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Arsenal chief Unai Emery is closing on his first signing since arriving this week

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He said: “I’m playing in one of the biggest clubs in Europe and there’s always competition for places.

“But my future is going to be away from Turin. At the end of the season I’m leaving.

“I’ll play abroad next year but I’ve not signed anything yet.”

Switzerland right-back Stephan Lichtsteiner would offer competition at Arsenal to Hector Bellerin unless the Spain star was sold
PA:Press Association
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Switzerland right-back Stephan Lichtsteiner would offer competition at Arsenal to Hector Bellerin unless the Spain star was sold

Arsenal have also been closely linked today with RB Leipzig playmaker Emil Forsberg.

The Bundesliga giants rate their Sweden star, 26, at around £47million.

Juventus and Atletico Madrid are among other admirers not put off by that evaluation.

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Can Messi finally achieve glory internationally?
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Can Messi finally achieve glory internationally?

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