Arsenal move closer to deal for full-back Stephan Lichtsteiner

Arsenal move closer to deal for full-back Stephan Lichtsteiner

Arsenal are close to an agreement with free agent full-back Stephan Lichtsteiner.

The 34-year-old Swiss international held talks last week and further negotiations have centred on a one year contract which is now in place.

Borussia Dortmund had also shown interest in former Juventus right-back Lichtsteiner who will act as cover for Hector Bellerin.

Arsenal remain in talks with Dortmund over a fee for centre-back Sokratis Papastathopoulos with the Bundesliga side looking for £15.7m.

Recruitment director Sven Mislintat is keen to give Unai Emery options to work with in defence following the contionous injury suffered by Laurent Koscielny.

Arsenal have a limited budget but will also look to generate funds with sales.

They retain interest in Freiburg's Caglar Soyuncu and Jonny Evans of West Brom while they have made enquiries for midfielder Dennis Praet at Sampdoria and Lorenzo Pellegrini of Roma. A move for Sevilla goalkeeper Sergio Rico has also been discussed.