Arsenal Hijack Besiktas Move For Swiss International Full-Back Stephan Lichtsteiner

CROTONE, ITALY - APRIL 18: Stephan Lichtsteiner of Juvnetus during the serie A match between FC Crotone and Juventus at Stadio Comunale Ezio Scida on April 18, 2018 in Crotone, Italy. (Photo by Maurizio Lagana/Getty Images)

Arsenal are closing in on a deal with Juventus right-back Stephan Lichtsteiner.

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

Besiktas had expressed an interest in Lichtsteiner.

Turkish-Football understands that the player had been offered to Besiktas via a third-party but that the move has collapsed following Arsenal entering the race.

The player is keen on a move to the North London based outfit. A move to the Istanbul giants looks unlikely despite the club willing to offer a two-year deal.

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Besiktas have brought in experienced players from major European clubs over the past few seasons to add experience and leadership.

The Istanbul giants snapped up Pepe from Real Madrid last season and have Ricardo Quaresma, Ryan Babel and Medel among their ranks, all of whom are over the age of 30.

Lichtsteiner has found the back of the net 14 times in 250 appearances for the Italian giants since signing from Lazio in August 2011.

The Swiss international has won seven league titles with Juventus, as well as four Italian Cups.

The Juve man would become recently appointed manager Unai Emery’s first signing since taking charge of Arsenal.