Arsenal Target Fabian Schar 'Will Consider Premier League Move'

Arsenal target Fabian Schar admits it would be very difficult to turn down an offer from a Premier League side.

The Basel centre-half has been a long-term target for the Gunners and was reportedly considered by the club last January.

Arsenal's problems at the back have persisted this season after Arsene Wenger opted not to sign a replacement for Thomas Vermaelen following his move to Barcelona.

Two consecutive clean sheets against Sunderland and Burnley suggest the club are beginning to address problems that have contributed to them winning just four league games from 10 this season.

But with Per Mertesacker, Laurent Koscielny and Calum Chambers his only options at centre-half, Wenger may consider adding a fourth in January.

Schar, 22, has celebrated back-to-back league titles in Switzerland over the past two years but has indicated he is keen to take on a new challenge.

"My dream remains to have an experience abroad. I've always said that if the opportunity presented itself, I would take it, obviously in agreement with Basel," Schar told Swiss publication Blick.

"I need a team with important prospects. I'd like the Bundesliga, Premier League or top Italian clubs like Inter, Milan and Juventus. I couldn't say no. I want to hear all my options and consider them carefully."

Schar's contract at Swiss champions Basel expires at the end of this season.

The defender's agent, Dimitrios Papadopoulos, told reporters last December that he had been contacted by Arsenal over a possible move, but a move to the capital failed to transpire.

He said: "Arsenal? I can confirm we have had contact with English clubs who want to sign him. There is also interest from Italian and German clubs, but we have had more contact from England."

Speaking at the club's AGM meeting in October, Wenger confirmed he missed out on adding another defender during the summer but will look to rectify that in January.