Target: Basel say they are aware of growing interest in Aleksandar Dragovic (Picture: Getty)

Basel say they are aware of growing interest from Arsenal in defender Aleksandar Dragovic but says the Gunners face competition to sign him.

As Metro.co.uk revealed earlier this month, the Gunners have stepped up their interest in 22-year-old Dragovic and watched him in both legs of Basel’s Europa League victory over Spurs.

It is thought that manager Arsene Wenger is considering him as a summer transfer target, with growing doubts over the futures of captain Thomas Vermaelen and the out-of-favour Johan Djourou.

However, according to Basel’s sporting director Georg Heitz, while Arsenal’s interest in Dragovic is known they face a fight to try and land his signature.




‘I know there is interest especially from England,’ said Heitz when asked if Arsenal were keen on him.

Powerhouse: Dragovic is a tough tackling centre back (Picture: Getty)

‘There’s also interest from Germany, Russia and Italy – but no deal has been reached.’

Borussia Dortmund, Anzhi and AC Milan are thought to be just some of the sides Heitz was hinting at, with all having close links to Dragovic in the past few months.

But Wenger is seemingly in the driving seat, and is prepared to wait until the end of the season before looking to push ahead with a transfer.

Arsenal are said to be willing to pay up to £6million to land the 6′ 1″ centre-back who is known for his powerful style and excellent passing range.

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