Arsenal 'step up interest in Basel defender Eray Comert'

Arsenal will reportedly send representatives to meet with Basel over the weekend to discuss a potential move for Swiss defender Eray Comert in this summer's transfer window.

The Gunners are believed to be in the market for at least two defenders, with Saint-Etienne's William Saliba, Celtic's Kieran Tierney and Borussia Dortmund's Dan-Axel Zagadou all recently linked with moves.

According to the Daily Mail, the capital outfit are also eyeing a swoop for Basel's Comert, with the club due to send representatives to meet with Basel and his agent in Switzerland.

The report adds that the 21-year-old, who is captain of Switzerland's Under-21 team, could be signed for less than £7m ahead of the 2019-20 campaign.

Arsenal's fifth-place finish in last season's Premier League table, coupled with their Europa League final defeat to Chelsea, means that there will be no Champions League football at the Emirates next season.

As a result, head coach Unai Emery reportedly only has a transfer budget of between £40m and £45m.