Stephan Lichtsteiner: Arsenal hope to sign out-of-contract Juventus defender

By David OrnsteinBBC Sport

Last updated on 25 May 2018.From the section Arsenal216

Arsenal hope to sign Juventus right-back Stephan Lichtsteiner on a free transfer.

The 34-year-old Switzerland international is out of contract with the Italian champions this summer.

The Gunners view long-term target Lichtsteiner as an option that would add experience and leadership to new head coach Unai Emery's squad.

Lichtsteiner has scored 14 goals in 250 appearances for Juve since signing from Lazio in August 2011.

He won the Serie A titles in each of his seven seasons at the club, as well as four Italian Cups, and is expected to captain Switzerland at next month's World Cup in Russia.

Lichtsteiner would be Emery's first signing since taking charge at Emirates Stadium.

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"32. Posted by cozzer on
5 minutes ago
Please name another top 6 side who would sign a 34 year old not worthy of a new deal at juventus.anyone?"

Psg signing Alves last year? Pirlo to Juventus.....just off the top of my head....
Wow signing an entire country, this new manager means business.
Keep telling you - Arsene wasn't the problem, they want to do everything on the cheap
He's about as tough as they get, would do Arsenal a lot of good on and off the pitch.
As a Spurs fan I think this is a sensible signing. Experienced, battle hardened and as fit as a fiddle. Adds vast European and international experience as well... would prefer him to Aurier to be honest. He's a solid defender and attacks well. If AFC are working on a limited budget as suggested then it's a No brained.
Switzerland have been the classic example national team of being well organised and disciplined if little else for many years so he is clearly a very effective defender and verified by long service at Euro giant Juventus. At 34 it is understandable that many people will take a negative stance about him moving to Arsenal but could prove to be a shrewd signing over his last couple of seasons at top.
Interesting addition. Won't be a long-term solution, obviously, but will add some experience where it is sorely needed, even if he doesn't play much. If Bellerin stays he'll be back-up, and if he goes then he'll be a stop-gap solution so we can use funds elsewhere.
Good signing, sub for Bellerin and gives experience to the backline and leadership on and off the field.
Also allows funds to be used for DM, CB & GK. No point spending millions for a sub for Bellerin considering Maitland Niles can play RB and there are more pressing needs aforementioned!!! Sensible Signing!
50. Posted by topgazza

Well said, it seems some people are only going to be happy if their club is buying that 24 year old ready made superstar for every position and spending silly money doing it.
Would be a fantastic signing.

Simply taking a defender from one of the best defences in Europe and stick him in one of the poorest defences in Europe, to hopefully rip them into shape and teach them how to actually defend. Even if it's only for one/two seasons.

On a free.

Nice.
On the surface a bizarre signing. But he is quality and experienced at the top level. If he's fit he will do for a couple of years and provide some much needed leadership.My team, Spurs, signed Aurier who is a worry but this guy will help Arsenal a lot IMO. It can only be a short term signing because he is 34 but 2-3 years left and for a free he is a bargain
An excellent right back.

I'm not an Arsenal fan but I think that's a really clever signing.
It's a free transfer - get a grip!
If he has looked after himself he has 3 seasons left in him, you don't have to charge around like a midfielder in defence. As for the Ageists - you will be there soon enough.
67.... You've never watched Juve?

No idea why you'd want rid of Monreal - he was our most consistent (perhaps only) performer last season. He's solid. Mustafi needs work, sure, but that's what Emery's meant to excel at doing - turning average players into good ones, especially defenders.

We're too top heavy. We should be looking to offload attacking players to get some kind of balance.
Crikey give him a week before you start whining
40.... Have you had your head up your, well you know where for the last 3 weeks. Every tv station and paper have reported a 100 times the new structure od the club. Hes the new head coach.. Emery is not in charge of singings.. fool.
Why do all the negative comments talk as if this is the end of the transfer window.
Why the constant complaints that Arsenal lack spine and when they buy an experienced, tough defender people complain again.
With available resources, potential emergence of Mavropanos a good solid squad addition at no cost.
Good business.
34 year old defender... i see nothing ever changes with this cheapskate board.

we remain unable to progress in the transfer market and improve our squad.

#KroenkeOut
I think most people are missing the point.
IF THIS IS TRUE, it would be a back up option for Hector, a freebie with a fairly low wage due to age, but bags of current experience from a player who has won titles regularly at the top level, and is known for box to box energy over 90 mins.. attacks and defends relentlessly, and will give the defence the advice and kick up the backside they need.