Arsenal transfer news: Huge Julian Alvarez update as Mikel Arteta asked to seal deal

Arsenal are yet to make a signing in the January transfer window but have been linked with a number of players, while there could also be outgoings at the Emirates

Arsenal return to Premier League duty this weekend with a clash against Manchester United, aiming to extend their advantage at the summit of the table. The Gunners currently sit seven points clear of nearest challengers Manchester City, who have already strengthened their squad during this month's transfer window.

Mikel Arteta's side are yet to add to their first-team options in January, though they have approved Ethan Nwaneri's loan switch to French side Marseille. Further business could materialise before the window closes, with the north London club being linked with both arrivals and departures.

Sporting director Andrea Berta invested heavily last summer to enhance Arteta's squad, and the club remain in contention for four trophies this season. With that in mind, football.london examines the latest Arsenal transfer news and rumours.

Arsenal 'hold Julian Alvarez talks'

TalkSPORT reports that Arsenal have conducted 'exploratory talks' over signing former Manchester City forward Julian Alvarez, with Atletico Madrid understood to be willing to part with the Argentine striker. The forward, who joined the La Liga outfit for €100million (£86.8m), was brought to the Spanish capital by current Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta.

The Gunners chief maintains a close relationship with the striker but will encounter competition from Barcelona for his signature. Alvarez still has four-and-a-half years remaining on his contract and won't be available on the cheap.

FOLLOW OUR ARSENAL FB PAGE! Latest Gunners news, analysis and much more via our dedicated Facebook page

The forward has netted an impressive 40 goals in 85 outings for Diego Simeone's outfit, although no transfer fee has yet been mooted. Last month, Arteta suggested his squad could be active during the current window, saying: "The window is there and I mean we are Arsenal and we have to be looking at it, 'Okay, what do we need?'".

"And we have to be actively looking and then, whether we can do it or not, that's a different story. But our job is to always be very prepared because something can happen, so hopefully it'll be very positive. When you look across the other clubs, they have 24 or 25 squad players.

"Although we have had more injuries than expected, some of them not avoidable, we want to be better and we know how important the part of having the right availability with players is going to be this season."

Zinchenko latest with Arteta call

Ajax's director of football Jordi Cruyff is reportedly in direct discussions with Arsenal manager Arteta to finalise the move for Oleksandr Zinchenko. The Ukrainian full-back has been on loan at Nottingham Forest for the first half of the campaign but appears set to cut that spell short and make the switch to the Netherlands.

As per Voetbal Primeur, Cruyff is urging Arsenal to seal the deal. The report suggests that the director of football made a three-hour drive from Barcelona to Villarreal to watch the match before ringing Arteta to push for the Zinchenko transfer.

Earlier this week, it was reported that the on-loan Arsenal player was set to return to the Emirates, ahead of a potential loan move to the Dutch giants. However, recent reports indicate that the Gunners are now looking to sell Zinchenko permanently.

Serie A could be the 'next stop' for Jesus

Italian media reports suggest that AC Milan and Juventus are interested in Arsenal forward Gabriel Jesus. Calciomercato IT reports that the 28 year old, whose contract expires in the summer, could be available for around €20million (£17m).

Inter Milan have previously shown interest in Jesus, but their enthusiasm has reportedly waned. Jesus has had his share of injury woes during his stint in North London, including missing the start of the season due to an ACL injury sustained last season.

Since his comeback, he's netted three goals and provided one assist in 12 appearances across all competitions for the Gunners, clocking up just 415 minutes of play.