Arsenal: Should They Sign Any Players This January?

The January Transfer Window is almost upon us. Arsenal have had a fairly good season so far. They are third in the Premier League and are through to the knockout stages of the UEFA Champions League. They have reached the semi-finals of the Carling Cup and are clear favourites to lift that trophy. 

Arsene Wenger has stated that he will not be making a move in the transfer window. Despite that there are several rumours that indicate that Arsenal may be in the market for players.  Christopher Samba of Blackburn has been widely linked with the Gunners especially after the departure of Sam Allardyce as boss. Another player widely linked is Belgian starlet Eden Hazard. The much sought after winger has been linked with Arsenal for quite some time now and reports suggest that Arsenal might look to sign the talented youngster.

There are several reports that suggest that certain players may be making a move away from Arsenal. The likes of Nicklas Bendtner, Manuel Almunia and Denilson may be looking for a move way from Emirates. Havard Nordtveit has already been sold off to Borussia Mönchengladbach.

In this article I will be looking into each position and analysing if Arsenal require to sign any player.

Goalkeeper

Last season Arsenal top two goalkeepers, Manuel Almunia and Lukasz Fabianski had a torrid time. Both put in abysmal performances and it looked likely that Wenger would sign a goalkeeper in the summer transfer window. But Wenger continued to put faith in his goalkeepers and decided against signing the likes of Shay Given, Mark Schwarzer.

Manuel Almunia had a great start to the season but went back to old ways against West Brom as he had a horror show. In that very match he picked up a mysterious elbow injury that has sidelined him since. During his absence Lukasz Fabianski has stepped up as Arsenal’s number one and has put in solid performances and has performed admirably. He has been solid at the back and has saved quite a number of points for Arsenal this season. With plenty of confidence this season, Fabianski has turned out to be an unlikely hero for Arsenal and is turning out to be a top notch goalkeeper. And with highly talented youngster Wojciech Szczesny fighting for a place in the starting-line up, Arsene Wenger has two top quality keepers in his squad. 

Verdict: No transfer required  

Defenders

During the summer the likes of William Gallas, Mikael Silvestre and Sol Campbell all left Arsenal. To reinforce his backline Wenger signed Laurent Koscielny from Lorient and Sebastian Squillaci from Sevilla. Also Johan Djourou returned after spending the full of last season on the sidelines.

Three games into the season Arsenal defensive leader Thomas Vermaelen picked up an Achilles heel injury that has sidelined him till the end of January. In his absence the Arsenal back-four have looked weak with Squillaci looking the weakest of the centre-backs.  Djourou looked extremely shaky at the beginning of the season but has since progressed and is right now the best of Arsenal’s centre backs. Koscielny got off to a poor start but has slowly justified his signing and has put in a few good displays. But overall the Arsenal back-line looks weak. Arsenal have been struggling defensively and have kept only 3 clean sheets in the League.

This looks like Arsenal’s weak link and most teams have exploited Arsenal’s weak centre. Arsenal have struggled against long-balls and crosses and have left their keeper exposed several times. If Arsenal require any reinforcements it has to be in this area. But Wenger may be tempted not to sign anyone especially with Vermaelen set to return and Djourou and Koscielny looking strong.

Samba has been linked with Arsenal and he may just be the type of player Arsenal require. He has experience, is strong in the air and is a no-nonsense defender.

Gael Clichy has looked shaky at times but with Gibbs waiting for an opportunity, Wenger has enough quality in this department. Bacary Sagna has been solid at right back and Eboue is there as back up.

Verdict: Short-term reinforcements required at centre-back

Midfielders                                                                                                            

This is one area in which Arsenal require no sort of reinforcements. Arsenal has abundant depth and quality in this area of the pitch. Arsenal has one of the most talented midfields in the Premier League. Arsenal has Denilson, Song, Wilshere, and Diaby all who can slot into the Defensive Midfielder role. Then they have the likes of Fabregas, Nasri, and Rosicky all who can play at the centre of the pitch. The latter two along with Arshavin, Walcott can play in the wings.

This is one area of the pitch in which Arsene Wenger has now worries. Although Hazard has been linked with Arsenal, right now Arsenal don’t require him. Many believe it’s time for him to move on and it’s time for Wenger to sell the Russian. But Arshavin has dazzled at times this season especially when Wenger has used him properly. Arshavin adds some real quality to Arsenal’s midfield and his experience may prove to be vital.

Verdict: Don’t require any reinforcements in this area

Forwards

During the summer Wenger signed Marouane Chamakh from Bordeaux on a free transfer and its already turning out to be a great buy. Chamakh has adapted to Arsenal’s style of play with consummate ease and has given Arsenal a PlanB. His physical presence and strength has added another dimension to Arsenal. Arsenal also have Robin Van Persie and Nicklas Bendtner who are extremely capable of spearheading Arsenal’s attack. Van Persie has just made a comeback from injury and has looked extremely sharp. Although he is yet to make an extended run in the team, RVP looks like he is coming back to his best. There were several rumours which said that Bendtner may be looking for a transfer away from Emirates in order to get more playing time. But Bendtner has vowed to stay and fight for a place in the team. He is most likely to stay.

Arsenal also have several talented youngster waiting for a chance. We have the likes of Jay Emmanuel Thomas, Vela who are extremely talented. Wenger has been mulling a transfer for these youngsters as first team opportunities have been limited and will remain limited. Another position in which Arsenal require no new player and should be fine.

Verdict: No reinforcements required

Its not very likely that Wenger will make any signings but if he does it should be in the defense.