Arsenal have been continuing to scout Stuttgart midfielder Chema Andres, and they have been very impressed by his performances, according to reports.
It was first reported back in November that the Gunners were keeping tabs on the 20-year-old and TEAMtalk claim that scouts have sent more positive feedback back to the Emirates about his displays.
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The likes of Manchester United and Manchester City have also been keeping a very close eye on Andres, with both teams having had representatives at Stuttgart matches to monitor his progress.
The Spanish Under 21 international has been compared to both Sergio Busquets and Rodri, and many believe he posseses great potential.
Real Madrid hold the keys to his future
Andres was signed by Stuttgart from the La Liga champions for just €3m (£2.6m) at the end of July but there is a buyback clause that means he could return to the Bernabeu for a relatively modest price this summer.
It is believed that Real would only have to pay around €10m (£8.7m) to re-sign Andres, and based on his performances this campaign, the Spanish giants could well decide to do that.
Arsenal are hoping to reinforce their midfield
Christian Norgaard is not expected to remain with the Gunners beyond this season. The Dane only made the switch from Brentford for £10m last year, but he has not been given many starts by manager Mikel Arteta. He has not been named in the first eleven for a league game, with most of his minutes coming in the domestic cups and the Champions League.
Andres is not the only replacement under consideration. Arteta’s side have been heavily linked with Lille’s Ayyoub Bouaddi in recent months, while there is also said to be interest in Corinthians’ Breno Bidon and Ajax’s Sean Steur.
Read more about the Arsenal First Team Squad for 2025/26 here