First one? Lichtsteiner meets with Arsenal boss Emery at London Colney

Arsenal are closing on a deal for Juventus free agent Stephan Lichtsteiner.

The London Evening Standard says the 34-year-old right back, who has spent the last seven years at Juventus, is soon to be a free agent and able to talk to clubs outside Italy and sign a pre-contract agreement.

Lichtsteiner visited Arsenal's London Colney training ground and although terms have not yet been agreed between the Swiss captain and Arsenal there is optimism that a deal could be announced in the coming days.

Arsenal expect Lichtsteiner, who has won eight league titles over his career, to provide veteran leadership to their defence and envisage him as a squad player rather than a regular starter.

Lichtsteiner confirmed his departure after seven years in Turin earlier this month and has been keen to find a club where his family can feel settled.

"I don't chase money and I need a place where I'll have a good quality of life," he said.

"My wife and children have to be happy and that wouldn't be the case in China. I don't need more money."