FC Basel defender Fabian Schar linked with Arsenal move

Fabian Schar (L)

Basel defender Fabian Schar’s agent has admitted that the defender has been contacted by an English side over a potential move to the Premier League, increasing speculation that the centre-back could be in line for a move to Arsenal. His agent is quoted by the Metro as saying that the 21-year-old defender is the subject of interest from England, Italy and Germany.

Schar played in both fixtures as Basel twice defeated Chelsea in this season’sChampions League group stages. It is thought that a fee of around £5 million will be enough to prise the young defender from the Swiss side’s grasp, and his agent Dimitrios Papadopoulos conceded that there has been interest in his client:

“Arsenal? I can confirm we have had contact with English clubs who want to sign him,” he said

“There is also interest from Italian and German clubs, but we have more contact from England.”

However, Papadopoulos admitted that Schar is happy at the Swiss club, and is not angling for a move away.

“He is happy at Basel, where there is a great atmosphere within the club,” Schar’s agent finished.

With question marks surrounding the long term future of club captain Thomas Vermaelen, Arsene Wenger may find himself in the market for a centre back, with Schar emerging as long term competition for established centre back pairing Laurent Koscielny and Per Mertesacker.

Schar has won 59% of the tackles that he attempted in this season’s Champions League, and 57% of his headed duels.