Arsenal monitoring one of Bundesliga’s best defenders

Arsenal are reported to be monitoring Hamburg defender David Bates who has shown a lot of prospect for his side this season.

The Daily Record reported that the Bundesliga 2 player who signed from Rangers as a free player has caught the attention of most clubs in Europe with Arsenal believed to be leading to have his signature.

The likes of Everton, Southampton, Leicester City and Watford have also shown interest in the player but they could be muscled out by the Gunners who seem to have a better offer for the player.

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Arsenal manager is a believer of the youth system and has identified the highly rated centre-back as a replacement for Laurent Kociencly who is already ageing and has limited time to play active football.

With about 8 appearances for Bates this season, he has looked more convincing with each game, improving in strength and quality of play.

There is no doubt he will not last in the German second-tier as he will be picked up by other top European clubs in the nearest future.

Meanwhile, Arsenal have got a number of options in the defence with majority already running out of age which makes preparation for the future very important with the young lad.