Arsenal have sent scouts to watch Hamburg defender David Bates in action, according to reports in the English media.

The Scottish international left Rangers on a free transfer in the summer to join the German club.

Despite Hamburg playing in the second tier after being relegated from the Bundesliga last season, Bates has reportedly impressed the Gunners and a number of other Premier League clubs with his form.

Everton, along with Watford, Southampton and Leicester City have all been keeping an eye on the centre-half.

The 22-year-old did have a tough start, being substituted 56 minutes into his debut in the 3-0 opening day defeat to Holstein Kiel.

However, things have certainly picked up for Bates since then. In his seven appearances following that loss, Hamburg have conceded just one goal.

During the games he has missed, the German side have conceded 11, two against Heidenheim in a 3-2 win, five in an astonishing 5-0 home loss to Jahn Regensburg, and three in a 5-3 German cup victory versus TuS Erndtebruck.