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If reports from the Mirror are to be believed, then FC Basel’s young defender Fabian Schar is a hot transfer target for major clubs all across Europe. It is widely reported that the 21 year old Swiss International, who is ideally a centre back, but can also play in the right back role, is being heavily linked to a move to Premier League leaders Arsenal. So what makes this 21 year old who graduated from FC Will 1900, a fourth tier club of the Swiss League a sensation?
Before going into my column on why Schar would be a quality addition to the Gunners squad, let me tell you that this Swish International is 6’2 defender is brilliant in the air, possesses a brilliant work ethic and above all, is a modern defender who is always willing to put himself in the line of the 50-50 challenges. This campaign host of clubs all across Europe have witnessed his heroics at the heart of the Basel defence as they fought their way through Chelsea not once, but twice in the Champions League. With Arsene Wenger having only Vermaelen in the bench as a respectable defender, in order to lay claim his side’s Championship winning credentials, here are the three reasons why the Gunners must splash the cash for the Swiss.
Fitting into the squad:
If I would be very honest, Bacary Sagna seems to be Arsenal’s weakest link at the back. Very rarely in recent games has he overlapped the wingers and has got himself into good crossing positions (apart from the United game). Moreover, he has this poor tendency of passing the ball back without need, thus slowing down the tempo of the build up. Schar would suit Wenger’s demand perfectly as he is more than capable of filling in at the right back slot. If Wenger manages to pull this off, be rest assured Arsenal’s defence is in safe hands for years to come. As Metro reports, a 21-year-old, international defender with Champions League experience for £3million, it’s a pretty good bargain – and Arsene Wenger loves those.
Experience and physique:
Schar boasts an incredible record of three goals from his first five caps for his country, something which would add to Arsenal’s value in terms of goals. Schar is also brilliant in the air and has a great physique which would directly lead to him being a threat from set pieces. The Swiss, most of all would also jump to any opportunity which would lead him to play in the Premier League and believe me Schar would be worth the catch for Wenger.
Defensive Depth:
Given Arsenal’s brilliant start to the campaign, there is only major doubt for Wenger and that’s his depth at the back. With Carl Jenkinsen yet to mature for first team action and Bacary Sagnalooking no good, Fabian Schar is ought to be the name on everyone’s lips at the Emirates.
