Arsenal transfer news: Samuel Umtiti, Edinson Cavani, Granit Xhaka, Emile Smith-Rowe latest

Mikel Arteta’s team have been linked with some big names

Arsenal’s first transfer window with former Gunner Mikel Arteta in charge could be an exciting one, with the north London club linked to a couple of big names.

Arsenal are said to have submitted an offer for Paris Saint-Germain forward Edinson Cavani, though they face competition from a fellow Premier League club, according to El Chiringuito.

Manchester United, whom Arsenal defeated 2-0 on New Year’s Day, are also reportedly in the race for the Uruguay international.

A similar scenario seems to have arisen in the Gunners’ pursuit of Barcelona centre-back Samuel Umtiti, too, with United and north London rivals Tottenham also keen on the France international.

The World Cup winner is deemed expendable by the Spanish champions, El Desmarque has reported.

Elsewhere, it’s about departures for Arsenal. The Independent understands Gunners starlet Tyreece John-Jules is set to join Lincoln City on loan until the end of the season.

The 18-year-old striker, who signed a new long-term contract at Arsenal in the summer, is close to completing a six-month move to the League One side, where he has been assured of first-team action.

John-Jules, an England U19 international who has been at Arsenal since the age of eight, is highly regarded within the club’s academy set-up and has trained regularly with the senior squad this season. He is yet to make his professional debut, but was included on the bench by Arteta for Arsenal’s 2-1 defeat against Chelsea.

Meanwhile, 19-year-old midfielder Emile Smith-Rowe is also expected to leave on loan his month, according to The Athletic, though his destination is as yet unknown.

One player who seemed likely to leave may in fact be staying at the Emirates, however. Former club captain Granit Xhaka seemed destined for Hertha Berlin, but since Arteta’s arrival in December, talks of a move to the Bundesliga side have cooled.

As a result, Hertha are already looking into alternative options.