Arsenal poaching idol Lino Da Cruz Sousa, 16, from West Brom as Mikel Arteta signs first January transfer

ARSENAL are planning for the future as they bring in teenager Lino Da Cruz Sousa from esWt Brom

The 16-year-old is part of the Baggies youth team, playing two years older than his age group in their Under-18s.

first

And the left-back – who has Brazilian blood – has represented England at youth level.

West Brom coach Peter Gilbert previously said of the boy: “Lino is a sporty full-back, reads the game well and has a lovely left foot.

“It’s not like a 16-year-old usually plays all season with an 18-year-old, but it’s credit to him because he has so much potential.

Football.London reports that Arsenal academy boss Per Mertesacker has called in reinforcements on the left flank.

Full-back Sousa fits the bill and can play further in midfield.

His ability to control and dribble close has caught the eye of a series of Premier League clubs.

FREE BET: GET MORE THAN £2,000 IN NEW CUSTOMERS DEBTS

But the Gunners won the race for his signature in their first business run this month.

Boss Mikel Arteta will be hoping to bring in even more new faces for the time being, with a top striker his priority.

Fiorentina forward Dusan Vlahovic has been linked to many with the move to Emirates.

But Arteta faces a transfer war with rivals Tottenham and the top team Manchester City to win the signature of the 21-year-old player.

⚽ Get all the latest Arsenal news, updates and transfer rumors with our live blogs