FC Basel defender Aleksander Dragovic says a move to the Premier League would represent the "highest level" of competition following reported interest from Arsenal.

The 22 year old has been a mainstay in a Basel side that knocked out Tottenham Hotspur on their way to reaching the Europa League semi-final, where they eventually succumbed to Chelsea over two legs.

Arsenal were understood to have scouted the Austrian centre-back during his side's visit to north London rivals Tottenham in April, as Arsene Wenger looks to bolster his back four with Sebastien Squillaci out of contract at the end of the season and Johan Djourou expected to remain at Hannover following a loan spell.

And after discussions with Aston Villa striker Andreas Wiemann, the idea of moving to the Premier League appeals to Dragovic, with Arsenal likely to be encouraged by the latest revelation.

Aleksander Dragovic
Dragovic has starred in the Europa League for FC Basel.

"I regularly speak to Andreas, who has told me a lot about how much he enjoys playing in England," he said.

"It's competition at the highest level, which is what I am looking for. The fans are fantastic, and the clubs command a lot of respect around the world."

Arsenal can boast the third best defensive record in the Premier League this season but their back four still remains a source of fragility, despite Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny having installed themselves as the first choice centre-back pairing.

With club captain Thomas Vermaelen having fallen out of favour, Wenger will no doubt be tinkering with his defensive options as he attempts to close the gap to champions Manchester United at the Premier League's summit, a chasm which currently stands at 18 points with two games to play.

Top four rivals Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur do battle at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday and the Gunners will have a keen eye on the result, with their Champions League qualification hopes hanging in the balance; not least their ambitions of signing some of the continents' most sought after players this summer.

Manchester United FC London