Sead Kolasinac has agreed to join Bundesliga side Schalke on loan for the remainder of the season, Arsenal have announced.
The Bosnia defender will head back to the club where he joined the youth set-up and went on to become a first-team regular before moving to the Gunners during June 2017.
Earlier on Thursday, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta confirmed the club's priority for the January transfer window was to trim down the size of the current squad.
Kolasinac's last appearance for the Gunners was in the 4-1 League Cup defeat by Manchester City on December 22.
During November, the 27-year-old had spent a period of self-isolation after the Bosnia and Herzegovina Football confirmed the defender has tested positive for Covid-19 while away on international duty.
Kolasinac's loan move is set to begin on January 4, with the full-back having made 113 appearances for Arsenal, helping the team reach the 2019 Europa League final against Chelsea.
Arsenal technical director Edu said on the 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."
Meanwhile, Arteta said the club's priority is to streamline the bloated squad in January. The Gunners were able to offload Emiliano Martinez and Henrikh Mkhitaryan in the summer window while Matteo Guendouzi and Lucas Torreira departed on loan.
But forgotten man Mesut Ozil remained at the Emirates along with Shkodran Mustafi. The club have been linked with a loan move for Real Madrid playmaker Isco in January but first of all technical director Edu will attempt to raise funds by moving on those who are surplus to requirements.
"There are some players that are going to go on loan and going to leave and that is the priority at the moment," Arteta said .
"We cannot sustain the numbers that we have in certain positions and we are looking to do that, and then we will see if we have the right opportunity in the positions where we need some more help."
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Brighton v Arsenal player ratings
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BRIGHTON RATINGS: Robert Sanchez, 6 - Despite commanding his box well and producing a fantastic second half save from Aubameyang, the Brighton goalkeeper couldn’t prevent Lacazette’s winner. AFP -
Adam Webster, 6 - His ice cool composure and focus on every passage of play is a real attribute for this Brighton side. EPA -
Lewis Dunk, 5 - Although he had consistently strong positioning, the captain lost his man for Arsenal’s winning goal and picked up a needless yellow card. EPA -
Dan Burn, 5 - The physical defender’s impressive outing was somewhat soured after he was beaten for pace by Saka who went on to set up Lacazette’s tidy finish. Getty -
Joel Veltman, 6 - From smart play to quick passing movements, Veltman was a source of danger throughout the game for the Seagulls. AP -
Bernardo, 6 - Held the ball up well but showed no real conviction when moving into the final third for the hosts. AP -
Yves Bissouma, 7 - Protected the ball and helped to dictate the pace of the game in the middle of the park from the first minute until the very last. EPA -
Davy Propper, 6 - While he did struggle in attacking positions, Propper’s grit and determination instilled some intimidation in Brighton’s play. EPA -
Pascal Gross, 5 - A string of poor free kicks summed up a disappointing evening for the usually reliable Gross. Getty -
Alexis Mac Allister, 5 - Blasted an effort over the bar in what was his main contribution at the Amex. Getty -
Alireza Jahanbakhsh, 5 - Seemed to panic whenever he found himself inside the box, and as a result, he fluffed a few important chances for Brighton. AP -
SUBS: Neal Maupay, 5 - Barely got a sniff at the ball and seemed to be thrown on more so out of desperation than anything else. Reuters -
Solly March, 6 - Made a few nice runs down either flank but was unable to really influence the outcome of the game. Leandro Trossard, N/A -- Looked active and ready to create opportunities but didn’t receive the service necessary. Reuters -
ARSENAL RATINGS: Bernd Leno, 7 - Outside of some cocky tricks in the 22nd minute, Leno was one of Arsenal’s most efficient players. EPA -
Kieran Tierney, 7 - Showed off his phenomenal gas tank by spreading his play from pillar to post, impressing both with his crosses and his defensive work. EPA -
Pablo Mari, 8 - The calm demeanour of Pablo Mari has allowed Arsenal fans to relax more in their defensive structure, and that, in itself, is a huge compliment. AP -
Rob Holding, 6 - He may have been static on a few occasions when Brighton pushed forward, but on the whole, he partnered up nicely with Mari. EPA -
Hector Bellerin, 6 - After another lethargic first half the Spaniard battled hard and showed a lot of heart in helping Arsenal grind out the win. Getty -
Granit Xhaka, 5 - Called Brighton’s bluff by allowing them to bleed into Arsenal’s half time and time again, and against a better team, that would’ve cost them dearly. AP -
Mohamed Elneny, 5 - The Egyptian’s negative style pushed Arsenal back far too often, leaving many questions surrounding how necessary he is for the Gunners. Getty -
Emile Smith-Rowe, 6 - Grew into the game through nice one-twos and cutting inside, although he did look nervous in the first half. EPA -
Gabriel Martinelli, 6 - He may have an explosive style, but it means nothing when he isn’t being provided with enough opportunities up top. EPA -
Bukayo Saka, 8 - After being marked off the ball in the first 45 minutes, Saka burst into life with a great assist to set up the winning goal. AP -
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, 6 - Was forced out wide far too often, although he did bring others into the game very well - especially in the second half. AP -
SUBS: Alexandre Lacazette, 8 - In addition to his strong service, Lacazette made an instant impact within seconds of coming on by scoring for the third consecutive game. -
Ainsley Maitland-Niles, N/A - Served as another defensive option but didn’t have enough time to do anything of note. Getty -
Dani Ceballos, N/A - Held the ball up as and when he could but was really introduced to further kill the clock. AP
