Arsenal target Swiss teenager Shaqiri

Xherdan Shaqiri (left) is also sought after by Manchester United and Liverpool. (FILE)

Published Monday, October 10, 2011

By Staff

Swiss teenager Xherdan Shaqiri is the latest target Arsene Wenger who continues his strategy of keeping faith in talented youngsters despite Arsenal's worst start to the season since 1958.

The FC Basel winger, also a target of Manchester United and Liverpool, has attracted interest from Arsenal, according to reports.

Shaqiri, who turns 20 on Monday, is regarded as one of the most exciting young prospects in Europe and has numerous clubs monitoring his progress.

According to Metro, Arsene Wenger sent Arsenal scouts to Swansea on Friday to run the rule over the £15 million-rated midfielder as Switzerland took on Wales.

However, Shaqiri did not play to his potential for the watching Arsenal representatives, being substituted after an hour, while Wales went on to win 2-0.

Liverpool and United, meanwhile, have consistently been linked with Shaqiri in recent months and both are thought to be considering January approaches.

United are likely to encounter Shaqiri first-hand later this season when they travel to Basel in the Champions League.

Sir Alex Ferguson's side scraped a 3-3 draw with the Swiss outfit two weeks ago at Old Trafford, with Shaqiri missing out due to injury.

Liverpool, meanwhile, are said to retain an interest in Shaqiri from Roy Hodgson's time in the Anfield hotseat.