Arsenal are reportedly one of a number of clubs keeping an eye on former Rangers defender, David Bates.

David Bates may be a unfamiliar name to many Arsenal supporters, but that seems like it is about to change after the Scottish u21 international was linked with the club over the weekend.

The 6’3” centreback is comfortable playing in either slot at the heart of defence although the right-footer tends to be played on the right side.

Despite his age and the fact that he only spent one-and-a-bit seasons with Rangers after coming through the Raith Rovers youth ranks, Bates made 28 appearances for Rangers, scoring one and picking up just three yellow cards.

The 22-year-old now plies his trade in Bundesliga 2. for Hamburger SV after moving there on a free transfer from the Scottish side this summer. He signed a four-year-deal.

The rumour apparently started in the Sunday Mirror and was quickly picked up by other outlets. I say ‘apparently’ as at the time of writing it is not online and I don’t have access to the hard copy of the Sunday Mirror.