SOUTHAMPTON have confirmed that Ryan Bertrand will leave on a free transfer at the end of the season.
The England left-back, 31, had been close to a new deal last summer but could not agree terms – and will now walk away as a free agent.
Bertrand, who has been linked to Arsenal, made 240 appearances for Saints after joining permanently in 2015 from Chelsea, following a campaign on loan.
A Saints statement read: “Everyone associated with Southampton would like to thank Ryan for his contribution to the history of the club, and for all the memories he has helped create for our fans.
“He will forever be welcome at St Mary’s and Staplewood and will always be a Saint.”
Last weekend Saints boss Ralph Hasenhuttl all-but confirmed Bertrand would quit the club next month.
The Austrian said: “We are looking at other targets because the offer we have made has not been accepted from his side.
“When there is no solution for the future, we will have to look at other options in this position.”
Arsenal have approached Bertrand after his contract negotiations with Southampton crumbled, according to reports.
The Gunners have now joined AC Milan and Monaco in pursuing a free transfer, according to Goal.
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Arsenal are set to axe SIX players this summer, including big names such as Hector Bellerin and Bernd Leno.
But they are also set to part with Sead Kolasinac for good, with the left-back currently on loan at Schalke.
And Mikel Arteta sees Bertrand as solid back-up for first-choice Kieran Tierney.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
