Arsenal have held exploratory talks to sign Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez, according to reports. The 25-year-old Argentina international, who joined Atletico from Manchester City for €100 million (£86.8m) in the summer, is reportedly open to a move, with Barcelona also interested.
The Gunners' sporting director Andrea Berta previously worked with Alvarez at Atletico and is said to have a strong relationship with the player. Alvarez has scored 40 goals in 85 appearances for Diego Simeone's side and still has four-and-a-half years left on his contract.
Meanwhile, Arsenal are reportedly looking to offload Gabriel Jesus, with AC Milan and Juventus interested. The 28-year-old striker, whose contract expires in the summer, could be available for around €20 million (£17m). Jesus has struggled with injuries this season, scoring three goals in 12 appearances since returning from an ACL injury.
In other transfer news, Ajax director of football Jordi Cruyff is reportedly in direct talks with Mikel Arteta to sign Oleksandr Zinchenko on a permanent deal. The Ukrainian left-back has spent the first half of the season on loan at Nottingham Forest.
Arteta hinted last month that Arsenal could be active in the January window, saying: 'The window is there and we have to be actively looking. Whether we can do it or not, that's a different story.'
