Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United Track Aleksey Batrakov After Champions League Display
Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United sent scouts to watch Aleksey Batrakov during Galatasaray’s UEFA Champions League meeting with VfB Stuttgart earlier this week. The interest places the Russian attacking midfielder among a growing group of young players attracting attention from leading Premier League clubs.
Batrakov is reported to have a release clause of around £50 million in his Galatasaray contract, although the precise terms have not been made public. The Turkish champions are not believed to be keen on selling him in January, despite interest from a number of major European sides, including Liverpool and Bayern Munich. A move during the summer may therefore be a more realistic possibility.
A rapid rise from Lokomotiv Moscow
Born in Orekhovo-Zuyevo, near Moscow, Batrakov developed in Russia and progressed through Lokomotiv Moscow’s youth system before earning a place in the first team. His performances in the 2025/26 campaign helped establish him as one of the country’s most promising young attacking players.
Across 36 appearances in all competitions for Lokomotiv, the 21-year-old scored 17 goals and supplied 12 assists. That output drew attention from clubs abroad, and Galatasaray won the race for his signature in the summer. He has since made 12 appearances for the Turkish side, contributing five goals and three assists.
His numbers suggest a player capable of making a direct impact in the final third, while his ability to operate in more than one midfield role could broaden his appeal. For prospective buyers, the challenge will be judging whether his production can translate to the pace and physical demands of the Premier League.
Why Arsenal are monitoring the midfielder
Arsenal’s interest may seem unexpected given Martin Ødegaard’s renewed influence this season. However, the club could face uncertainty around Eberechi Eze, whose performances have reportedly been inconsistent. Ødegaard has also been linked with Bayern Munich, with his future potentially affected by the progress of contract discussions at Arsenal.
Batrakov could offer the Gunners another creative option if their squad changes. His recent record for both Lokomotiv and Galatasaray provides evidence of consistent attacking output, although any move would depend on Arsenal’s long-term plans for their existing midfielders.
Chelsea’s focus on young talent
Chelsea have reportedly considered Batrakov before and continue to pursue emerging players with room to develop. In a system built around attacking midfielders operating behind a striker, he could compete for a position alongside players such as Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers.
His versatility may also be useful beyond the advanced roles. Batrakov has experience playing in deeper areas, potentially giving a coach more options when adapting the shape of the team. At Chelsea, however, he would face strong competition for minutes, making his potential role an important part of any transfer discussion.
Manchester United’s succession planning
Manchester United also have a reason to assess the Russian’s long-term potential. Bruno Fernandes remains central to the side, but the club will eventually need to plan for a successor who can carry creative responsibility in the years ahead.
Batrakov is not an established Premier League player, so it would be premature to view him as a direct replacement. Still, his age, goals and assists could make him a candidate for a gradual transition into a major role, provided he adapts successfully to a new league and a different style of football.
A possible summer transfer rather than a January deal
A reported £50 million clause would be within reach for wealthy Premier League clubs, but the figure alone does not guarantee a transfer. The exact conditions attached to the clause remain unclear, and Galatasaray’s reported reluctance to consider a winter sale could delay any serious negotiations.
For Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United, the coming months may be an opportunity to assess Batrakov more closely and establish whether he fits their tactical and financial plans. His performances in European competition and the Turkish league will help shape that evaluation.
Ultimately, Galatasaray’s ability to keep the midfielder may depend on more than the reported clause. Batrakov’s own ambitions, the role offered by a potential buyer and the timing of an approach are all likely to matter. If interest continues to grow, the summer window could bring a clearer picture of whether he is ready to leave Istanbul for the Premier League.