Arsenal Plan Move For 21-year-old Centre-Back In January – But Who Is He?

Arsenal have had a tough time with their defence this season, despite the Gunners currently sitting top of the league. Laurent Koscielny has had a mare, getting sent off and conceding two penalties in his first handful of games, whereas Thomas Vermaelen is still sidelined. With Per Mertesacker the last man standing, Bacary Sagna has been tucking inside to play centre-back, with Carl Jenkinson occupying the right-back berth.

To prevent this problem, however, the Metro are reporting that Arsene Wenger will be bidding for Basle defender Fabian Schar.

The north London side are said to still have money to splash in the new year and are ready to strengthen their backline. But who is Schar?

At 21 years of age, Schar is a full Switzerland international. He progressed through the youth ranks at Wil, a Swiss side, before being snapped up by Basle last year.

He operates at centre-back, with his strength in the air and intelligence off the ball, despite his tender age, his main assets.

He’s largely right footed, and is out of contract in 2015, although there is reportedly an option to extend his deal if it suits all parties.

Will this be the man to partner Mertesacker in the heart of the Arsenal defence come the new year? Or will Koscielny rekindle the form he showed at the back end of last season?