Jubilation at Emirates as Arsenal Complete First January Signing

• Arsenal beat a number of Premier League clubs to the signing of Lino Da Cruz Sousa from West Brom
• The Gunners went for Sousa at the request of academy boss Per Mertesacker who is said to have requested for a left-back
• Sousa, who has already represented England at the youth level can also play further up in midfield

Arsenal are laying the foundation for the future after they snapped up teenager Lino Da Cruz Sousa from West Brom.

The promising left-back becomes the Gunners' first signing of the January transfer window.

According to The Sun, the 16-year-old was part of West Brom's youth set-up and has been turning out for the U18s.

Football.London claims Arsenal made a move for the youngster at the request of academy boss Per Mertesacker who had requested for reinforcements down the left.

It is understood a number of Premier League clubs were keen to sign Sousa but it was Arsenal who were lucky to land him.

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The Brazilian youngster often plays on the left flank but can also play further forward in midfield.

Following his arrival, Mikel Arteta will be hoping Arsenal chiefs will splash more funds to bring in new faces this month.

The Spaniard is believed to be keen to sign a leading striker, with Fiorentina forward, Dusan Vlahovic, top on the north Londoners' wish list.

Vlahovic has heavily been linked with a switch to the Emirates, but Arsenal face a transfer battle with city rivals, Tottenham Hotspur, and Man City who are also keen on the 21-year-old's services.

Fernandes denies Barca links

Earlier, Sports Brief reported Bruno Fernandes has hit back at media reports linking him with a possible January exit from Old Trafford.

The Man United playmaker has been linked with a sensational switch to Barcelona, with the Catalan giants desperate to rebuild under Xavi.

However, the Portuguese has clarified he has no intention of dumping United, comparing the transfer gossip to an April Fool's Day joke.

Bruno slammed the rumour by commenting on an Instagram post by Portuguese media outlet, SPORT TV, that suggested he could be on his way to join the struggling La Liga giants this month.