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International star responds to reports he’s agreed terms to join Arsenal

By on June 4, 2018

Stephan Lichtsteiner insists his move to Arsenal isn’t a ‘done deal’ amid speculation the Juventus defender has agreed terms over a switch to the Emirates.

Unai Emery is looking to strengthen his defence after we shipped 51 goals in the Premier League last season and a new right-back is a priority as we need someone to ease the load on Hector Bellerin.

The Spaniard played more minutes than any other Arsenal player last season and we had no viable back-up meaning Ainsley Maitland-Niles and Calum Chambers were forced to deputise on the odd occasion Bellerin was rested.

Lichtsteiner has emerged as a prime target with Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio claiming last week that the 34-year-old had agreed personal terms over an initial one-year contract – with the option for a further 12 months.

The Switzerland international reportedly held talks with Arsenal chiefs at London Colney and was all-set for a free transfer move after running down his contract in Turin.

However, Lichtsteiner has played down the reports by insisting nothing is finalised yet and says as long as the proposed deal isn’t completed, anything can happen in football.

Lichtsteiner is quoted as saying by the Evening Standard.

“Nothing is finished yet, I cannot comment on the negotiations.

“As long as nothing is completed, that is always interesting in football. I think we all know that.”

It looks like Arsenal’s move to sign Lichtsteiner is still not over the line so we’ll have to wait a little longer to see whether he becomes Emery’s first major signing of the new era in north London.

READ: Arsenal tipped to trigger midfielders £35m clause

Switzerland kick off their World Cup campaign against Brazil on June 17th and I’m guessing Lichtsteiner wants his future resolved ahead of that game, so we should hear more over the coming days.