Arsenal technical director Edu has insisted that a return to Germany was in the best interests of Sead Kolasinac's career after it was announced that he has joined Schalke on loan for the remainder of the season.
After struggling for regular game-time this season, the Gunners have made the decision to send the Bosnia and Herzegovina international to the Veltins-Arena until the end of the campaign, just three-and-a-half years after he swapped Schalke for the Emirates Stadium.
This season, Kolasinac, who is 27, has struggled to nail down a spot under Mikel Arteta, being restricted to just nine appearances in all competitions, with only one of those coming in the Premier League.
Therefore, with Kieran Tierney, as well as Bukayo Saka, capable of dominating the left-back spot, it is easy to see why Arsenal, in the interests of Kolasinac's career, have made the decision to send him out on loan for the remainder of the campaign.
On deciding to allow him to return to Germany, Edu told Arsenal's club website: “Sead needs to be playing regularly, so we have decided together that a move back to Germany with Schalke will benefit him at this moment.
"We will be keeping in close contact with Sead, and wish him huge success for the remainder of the season with Schalke."
Kolasinac returns to his former stomping ground with Schalke currently rooted to the foot of the Bundesliga table, with just four points to their name after the first 13 games of the season.
With that in mind, the left-back is going to have to do all he can to help the club from falling through the trapdoor and into Bundesliga.2.
Kolasinac temporarily departs the Emirates Stadium having racked up 113 appearances for the club, helping them win three trophies, as well as playing a key role in their run to the 2018/19 UEFA Europa League Final.
The deal will officially come into effect on Monday, January 4.
