According to the latest transfer rumours Arsenal have been given the opportunity to sign a top quality defender for the rock bottom price of just £4 Million.
According to the Mirror FC Basel defender Eder Balanta, who has just one year left on his contract can be snapped up for the ridiculously low fee.
The 26-year-old is a versatile player that is comfortable at either central defence or at left-back.
Colombian Balanta won both the Copa Sudamericana and Copa Libertadores with River Plate before moving to Basel in 2016 where he added the Swiss Super League and two Swiss Cups to his medal haul. He has also played for the Colombian national team and was named in their 2014 world cup squad.
Now, I do not know too much about the player but a quick look on Wikipedia and it is clear he is highly thought of.
Álvarez Balanta has been highlighted with top praise in Argentina. Since debuting in top-tier Argentinean football, Álvarez Balanta has been deemed as the “best defender” in the league, earning that title within half of his debuting season. Compared to other Colombian legends, he has been referenced for Jorge Bermúdez’s hierarchy while having speed and agility to that of Iván Córdoba, all while also carrying wonderful strength and balance. Thus, he is often credited as a complete center-back. Left-footed, Álvarez Balanta has shown that he can play with his right as well. These talents had even made former River Plate coach Ramón Díaz, compare Álvarez Balanta’s talents to that of legendary Daniel Passarella.
Now, I do know Daniel Passarella and if Balanta is being mentioned in the same breath as the Argentine legend then having the opportunity to buy the defender for a measly £4 Million would come close to being the deal of the century.
Because of our low transfer budget, we are being forced to look for quality players at bargain prices and Balanta really does look like the perfect candidate in such a scenario.
I definitely think he is worth the risk based on the research I have done and hopefully, Unai Emery will come to the same conclusion.