Basel’s Schar is proving to be in high demand in north London.
Arsenal are interested in signing FC Basel centre-back Fabian Schar in January but now face strong competition from north London rivals Tottenham Hotpsur, reports the Mirror.
The Gunners have been interested in the £10m rated star for some time, but Spurs are also keen on bringing the 21-year-old to the Premier League.
The Switzerland international has impressed in the Champions League this season, helping Basel to two victories over Chelsea in Europe’s top competition.
Arsene Wenger has been tracking the defender since early November and sent coach Neil Banfield to watch the Swiss youngster.
Tottenham meanwhile have desperately entered the race to sign defensive reinforcement after the horror show given by their back four in last Sunday’s 6-0 hammering by Manchester City.
Director of football Franco Baldini is keeping tabs on Schar, but it would mean one of their current centre-backs would be sold – with Younes Kaboul the most likely.
Their north London rivals meanwhile are worried about the inadequate cover they have if there is an injury to either Laurent Koscielny or Per Mertesacker.
This was highlighted earlier in the campaign when the German was absent for their game with Manchester United and the fragility of club captain Thomas Vermaelen was exposed.
The Belgian has fallen out-of-favour at the Emirates Stadium and Johan Djourou’s time with the club also seems as good as over.
Schar was signed by Basel in the summer of 2012 and has since gone onto play 59 games for the club in all competitions and also scoring an impressive 12 goals.
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