Arsene Wenger is fully aware that he needs to strengthen defensively in January, and the Arsenal manager could be forced to spend big in January to bring top names to the Emirates…
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is not a big fan of the January transfer window, and has usually preferred to wait until the summer to splash the cash. The Frenchman may have to open his wallet next month however, with the Gunners seriously lacking defensively this season.
SEE MORE:
Football Manager 2015 – Best Free Agents In FM15, Ex-Arsenal, Manchester United, & Barcelona Stars Included
Raheem Sterling Wage Demands Could Lead Liverpool Winger To Real Madrid Switch
Arsenal Montoya: Arsenal & Liverpool on alert as Agent confirms £16m star wants Nou Camp exit.
Here are three players Arsenal could buy this winter, and three players who could be on their way out of the Emirates Stadium in January:
Ins
Tyrone Mings – Ipswich Town
Source – Daily Mail
The 21-year-old may not be the player many Arsenal fans would like to see join the club this January, but he is arguably the most likely to be brought in by Wenger.
With an £8m fee being touted, the French manager allegedly believes the left-back would do well converted to centre-back.
The North Londoners are severely lacking defensive numbers this season, so any January acquisitions would be welcomed; Gooners would surely like to see a more established name joining the Emirates however.
Morgan Schneiderlin – Southampton
Source – Mirror
Wenger is a long term admirer of Schneiderlin, with the Frenchman viewed as the commanding defensive midfielder Arsenal have been missing for so many years.
The Gunners boss reportedly tried to bring his compatriot to the club over the summer, but the Saints were unwilling to sell.
Tottenham Hotspur are also hoping to bring the Saints star to London in January, but Arsenal should have the edge with their ability to offer Champions League football.
Mats Hummels – Borussia Dortmund
Source – Mirror
Arsenal are in dire need of defensive reinforcements in January, and the German centre-back is seen as the ideal addition.
Up until very recently he was considered nothing more than a pipe dream, but with Dortmund currently languishing near the bottom of the Bundesliga, the tough-tackling defender is reportedly looking for a way out.
The Gunners will almost certainly face competition for his signature, with Manchester United credited with an interest. The North London side already have a substantial German contingent however, and Hummels has seemed keen on a switch to North London in the past.
Outs
Lukas Podolski
Source – Telegraph
The German forward is certainly a fan favourite, but with his failure to regularly produce on the pitch he has found his first-team chances limited.
He has been heavily tipped to leave the Emirates in January, with the former Bayern Munich star vocal about his feelings about spending so much of his time on the bench.
Joel Campbell
Source – Daily Star
After a number of successful loan spells and a stellar performance at the World Cup over the summer, Campbell was tipped to shine at Arsenal.
He has been used sparingly by Wenger this campaign however, and with his current deal set to expire at the end of the season, the Gunners may look to cash in on him.
Yaya Sanogo
Source – BBC
The young striker has been tipped to leave the Emirates on loan in January, with Wenger looking to find him consistent game time.
With Olivier Giroud firing on all cylinders after returning from injury sooner than expected and summer signing Danny Welbeck fitting well into the side, the 21-year-old is likely to see his first-team opportunities limited.