Arsenal hold positive Lichtsteiner talks over two-year Gunners deal

Arsenal are in advanced talks to sign defender Stephan Lichtsteiner on a two-year contract, Goal understands.

Lichtsteiner, 34, has been targeted by the Gunners as they look to bolster their defence this summer, with Hector Bellerin currently the club’s only natural right-back.

The Switzerland international, who held ‘positive’ talks with the north London giants on Friday and wants to join on a two-year deal, is out of contract with Juventus and would add experience to an Arsenal defence which will be without Laurent Koscielny until the end of 2018.

Unai Emery’s first task as Gunners head coach will be to strengthen a side which aims to close the gap on their Premier League rivals next season, with defence a clear priority having conceded 51 times in the Premier League during Arsene Wenger’s final season in charge.

Ainsley Maitland-Niles is able to play in Bellerin’s position but is viewed as being a more natural defensive midfielder while Carl Jenkinson appears unlikely to break into the starting line-up following a disappointing loan spell at Birmingham City last term.

Lichtsteiner announced he would be leaving the Bianconeri in early May having helped the club to their seventh successive Serie A title, with the Switzerland international having ended each season since joining the club from Lazio in 2011 as a national champion.

In total he scored 14 goals in 250 appearances for Juventus, though he has fallen down the pecking order in Turin this season.

Borussia Dortmund, Monaco and Marseille have also shown an interest in signing him, but Arsenal are hopeful that they will be able to get the deal over the line.

Lichtsteiner did hold talks with Valencia in January but was unable to agree terms on a move to the Mestalla, and the Gunners are now set to step in and secure the first arrival of Emery’s tenure.