According to Daily Mail, Arsenal are monitoring the situation of FC Basel defender Eray Comert. It is believed that the youngster prefers a move to London this summer, with the Gunners scheduled to hold talks with agents in Basel on Saturday. The report further claims that Arsenal may have to fork out £7 million for Comert as they continue their search for cost-effective options in the market.
Comert’s rise to prominence
A product of the Basel youth academy, Comert was a part of the senior side since 2016. After spending his time on at FC Lugano and later, FC Sion, he finally managed to make his breakthrough into the starting lineup during the 2018/19 campaign.
The 21-year-old made 24 appearances in the Swiss Super League, during which he was involved in three goals. He was, however, a bit unfortunate with a shoulder injury earlier this year that took a massive toll on his overall game time. But, Comert’s service at the back was crucial nonetheless, although Basel did finish way behind champions BSC Young Boys in the league table.
Now it seems like his performances did not go unnoticed either, with Arsenal seemingly keen on luring the Swiss youth international to North London this summer. His current contract at Basel expires in 2022.
What can Comert bring to the table?
Comert is essentially a ball-playing defender who is equipped with excellent passing skills that allow him to facilitate the backline and augment his side’s build-up. He can also thread accurate diagonal balls to initiate counter-attacks. The 21-year-old is quite athletic as well and is capable of making strong challenges to win back possession for his team.
Should Arsenal make a move for Comert?
Arsenal already have a stacked defensive department, with no less than five out and out centre-backs available. But, veteran defender Laurent Koscielny is expected to leave the club in the summer while the likes of Rob Holding and Konstantinos Mavrapanos have both struggled with injuries.
The Gunners have been linked with a move for William Saliba. But, the addition of Comert could provide Emery with an additional option in defence, although the Spaniard may have to get rid of more than one defender to comply with his slender transfer budget this summer.
It was earlier reported that Arsenal are struggling to find a suitor for Shkodran Mustafi following a turbulent campaign. And the German’s prolonged stay at Emirates could minimise Comert’s chances of potentially breaking into the starting lineup.
