Fenerbahce president reveals reason for failed Sead Kolasinac move

Fenerbahce president Ali Koc has revealed that financial obstacles prevented the club from striking a deal for Arsenal defender Sead Kolasinac.

After an ill-fated spell on loan at former club Schalke 04 in the 2020-21 season, Kolasinac was expected to complete a permanent switch to Fenerbahce in the summer window.

However, the left-back remained on the books at Arsenal past Tuesday's 11pm deadline, and Koc has now lifted the lid on his side's failed attempt to prise him away from North London.

"[Arsenal] contacted us for Sead Kolasinac, they said their demands. If I remember correctly, they asked for a three-year contract and €3m (£2.6m) per year with a €3m signing on fee. We didn't," Koc is quoted as saying by football.london.

Kolasinac - who is due to become a free agent in 2022 - has since forced his way back into Mikel Arteta's plans and played the full 90 minutes in last weekend's 5-0 loss at the hands of Manchester City.

The 28-year-old has made 115 appearances for the club in total over the past four years, scoring five goals and setting up 15 more in that time.