New Real Madrid coach Bernd Schuster has sent a chill down the spines of all Arsenal fans by insisting Cesc Fabregas is the man to take his side forward.

Speaking today after being confirmed at the helm at the Bernabeu, the former Germany international immediately identified the Gunners' young midfielder as one of his favourite players.

The 20-year-old has regularly been linked with a move back to his homeland, and in particular Real and Barcelona where he spent time as a youth player before moving to England.

He had, however, appeared to commit his future to Arsene Wenger's side this summer in the wake of Thierry Henry's departure for Barca, but Schuster's comments seemingly make an approach by the Spanish champions inevitable.

"I like Cesc Fabregas, he plays in the same position as I did in my playing days," said Schuster, who left his role with La Liga rivals Getafe to join Real.

"He has improved a lot in England, and learnt a lot from Arsene Wenger, a coach who I admire and who has done over the years a very good job with young players.

"I believe he is one of the few players in his position that can carry a team on his back, and when I say teams, I mean quality teams."

The prospect of Fabregas following legendary striker Henry out of the Emirates Stadium is a nightmare scenario for the Gunners, although the club are unlikely to be receptive to any Madrid approach.

He signed an eight-year contract just last summer and recently insisted: "In 10 days I'll be back training with Arsenal. My team. I'm staying in London."

The 47-year-old Schuster, coach of Primera Liga side Getafe for the last two seasons, replaces Fabio Capello, who was sacked at the end of June after leading the club to their first league title in four years.

"This is a very happy day for me and I would like to thank the club for giving this opportunity to a young coach," Schuster said after signing a three-year contract.

"Looking at the clubs I've coached before this is a great step up for me. I've always wanted to be in a place like this but in my view I think it has taken me too long to get here. I think I'm capable of doing a good job."

"I know what I've let myself in for," said Schuster. "I know the club and its philosophy.  I've been at clubs before where it wasn't possible for them to demand that you win trophies but here you have to win and play a style of football that the fans enjoy.

"I'm convinced my vision of football will fit what the fans want."

The German confirmed he had bought himself out of his contract with Getafe by paying a compensation fee of €480,000, thus allowing him to make the switch.