Why Arsenal must make a move for FC Basel defender Eray Comert

Back in June 2019, the Daily Mail had claimed that Arsenal were interested in signing FC Basel defender Eray Comert. However, a move didn’t happen and the defender stayed put at FC Basel.

Arsenal eventually went on to capture the services of French defender William Saliba from Saint-Etienne before loaning him back to his former club for the entirety of the ongoing campaign. David Luiz was also roped from London rivals Chelsea to cover for the departure of long-serving captain Laurent Koscielny.

However, the Gunners have struggled at the back this term. Their defence has been inconsistent and fragile, conceding as many as 36 goals from 28 matches. Luiz has struggled to impose himself at Arsenal, while Shkodran Mustafi and Sokratis Papastathopoulos have been below-par in their performances. Rob Holding has failed to break into the starting XI after recovering from a long-term injury.

Luck has not favoured Calum Chambers, who was ruled out for six to nine months at the beginning of the year after knee surgery. Pablo Mari, a January signing from Flamengo, is yet to fully settle in following his switch.

To put things into perspective, Mikel Arteta must work hard in the upcoming window to bolster his defensive ranks. There’s still a lot to be worked upon as far as Arsenal’s defence is concerned. Having said that, the Gunners would do a wise job by reigniting their interest in Eray Comert when the transfer window opens.

Comert, 22, impressed last season at Basel as he made 31 appearances in all competitions. He has continued to shine in his homeland at Basel this season, with the defender making 35 appearances across all competitions thus far. The one-cap Switzerland international has also made waves in the Europa League, helping his club reach the round of 16.

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Born in Switzerland to parents of Turkish descent, Comert, of course, is still very much a work in progress at the age of 22 but he has performed admirably well over the last two seasons at St. Jakob Park.

To date, he has made 73 appearances for Basel, registering five goals and four assists. The defender’s mere numbers show that he has been growing in stature and at 22 years of age, he has plenty of time to develop.

Verdict

Considering Arsenal’s long-standing defensive problems this season, Arteta should definitely sign a new centre-back in the summer after adding Mari in January. With William Saliba set to officially become an Arsenal player in June, adding another talented defender like Comert would represent a smart long-term investment at the Emirates Stadium.