Former Arsenal defender Nigel Winterburn thinks Sead Kolasinac will want to leave the club on a permanent basis this summer.
The 28-year-old defender has just 12 months remaining on his existing deal with the Gunners and the club could look to offload him for cash in the coming months.
Kolasinac was out-of-favour under Mikel Arteta due to the form of Kieran Tierney last season, which was the Bosnian left-back then move to German outfit Schalke on loan for the second half of the 2020/21 campaign.
With the news that Tierney has signed a new long-term deal at the Emirates Stadium recently, this could trigger Kolasinac to leave north London for good.
That's something Winterburn agrees with, when offering his honest assessment of Arsenal's left-back situation.
"He's a player who will want to be playing regularly so there will be an opportunity to move him on," the former Gunners defender told NetBet.
"I think Arsenal need to strengthen in both full back areas, Tierney will be the number one provided he's fit, but we do need cover for him.
"We need someone to come in to put pressure on him and perform at his level if he's ever out injured or rested.
"If we can't bring anyone in, then I would expect Kolasinac to stay, but I don't think he will be happy sitting on the bench.
"Arsenal have to do what's best for them in that sense, but Mikel Arteta is keen to overhaul this squad, so it wouldn't surprise me if he left."
Winterburn also spoke about the calibre of player Arteta needs to bring in as a back-up option for Tierney should Kolasinac move on.
A younger profile has been touted, but Arteta could look for a more senior option who has more experience in the bigger games given Tierney's track record with injuries.
football.london understands the Gunners are set to complete the signing of Benfica left-back Nuno Tavares in the near future.
Winterburn added: "We're at a stage where Arsenal need a rebuild, we've got some huge talent there but it needs to be supplemented.
"The whole ethos of the club will change a little and I believe they will be looking at younger players to fill that gap.
"In an ideal world, they will be looking at younger players rather than someone who's coming towards the end of his career.
"There might be the odd one in different positions, but I don't think we'll see many experienced players coming in unless they are considered to be guaranteed starters."
