According to a recent report by The Daily Mirror, Arsenal are plotting a move to secure the services of FC Basel defender Eder Balanta during the summer transfer window. The same source has also revealed that the Gunners will have a £45m transfer kitty in this offseason with the Colombian centre-back set to be available for a fee around £4m.
Balanta’s Rapid Emergence In European Football
Balanta has enjoyed a solid campaign with Basel after putting a series of commanding displays at the back during the recently concluded Swiss Super League season. The Bogota born talent is a product of the famous River Plate academy. He came through the South American outfit’s youth ranks before sealing a move to Europe in the summer of 2016.
The 26-year-old had featured in 31 matches for Basel last season and has three goals to his name across all competitions. More importantly, he has done a lot of good work defensively, which has helped the Swiss giants secure a 2nd place finish in the Swiss top-flight standings.
Balanta has also earned six international caps for the Colombian national side so far at the international level. However, he is currently out injured and won’t be a part of the Colombia squad that will take part in the Copa America 2019.
What Will The Colombia Defender Add To Emery’s Side?
Balanta has decent pace in his locker, which helps him play the ball out from defence. The Basel centre-half is also dominant in the air due to his incredible upper-body strength and can be an aerial threat at both ends of the pitch. He can also make some important interceptions for his team. However, the Colombia defender needs to work on his ball-distribution if he wants to be successful in English football.
Is Balanta The Right Choice For The Gunners?
The addition of Balanta will undoubtedly bolster Unai Emery’s defensive options at the Emirates Stadium. He will not only be an upgrade over any of Emery’s current options in central defence but will also add some steel to the Gunners backline.
At 26, the South American centre-back, who can also play at left-back if needed, is currently playing the best football of his career which the North London outfit could look to benefit from over the new few seasons.
