by Lewis Ambrose

Arsenal could have to fight to keep a key man off the field this summer after reports emerged that Real Madrid are after Francis Cagigao.

Who?

Cagigao is Spanish and an expert in Spanish youth football. He is the man who spotted Cesc Fàbregas, among others, and Rafa Benitez now wants him as a part of his staff at Real Madrid.

According to Daily Mirror the Spaniard’s deal with Arsenal is running out and Madrid are looking to prise him away from London, but Arsène Wenger still values him and would very much like to keep him at Arsenal. It is well documented that it is far from easy for a scout to gain Wenger’s trust, so Arsenal will be eager to keep as many trusted people around him at the club as possible.

As well as Fàbregas it is thought that Cagigao had something to do with bringing Héctor Bellerín and Jon Toral to the club back in 2011, with Bellerín now an established first-team member at the age of just 20.

Although he isn’t well known to Arsenal fans the media in Spain, particularly of the Catalan variety, know Cagigao as that guy who helps Arsenal snatch young talented Barcelona players.

Arsenal would do well to keep him around as the club currently aims to snatch Oriol Busquets (no relation to Sergio!) from the European Champions.