The Top 10 Arsenal Transfer Rumors

If there's one thing Arsenal fans are accustomed to during the January transfer window, it's the transfer rumors. Of course, transfers actually happening is a different topic entirely, but that never seems to stop the media from linking names with the Gunners, and this January is no exception.

Here are ten players who have been linked with the Gunners in recent times, and maybe one might actually make it to the Emirates Stadium after all.

Schwarzer was heavily linked with a move to the Gunners, and with talks about Almunia likely leaving the club, rumors about an extra goalkeeper joining the Gunners have only increased in past weeks.

At this point in time, it's safe to say that Gooners everywhere aren't fazed or concerned with the latest rumors, and whether or not Wenger actually buys a keeper (for once), ever since Fabianski (and Sczeszeny to an extent) stepped up their game, and with Mannone impressing at Hull, it's safe to say Arsenal have their fair share of quality keepers this time around.

Still, that wouldn't change the fact that the soon to be 38 Australian would make a difference, he can be an apt mentor to the youngsters, not to mention a young and fit goalkeeping coach, he would only help the Gunners improve in the future.

Wenger would do well to consider this one amongst his ranks, especially with Schwarzer being in the twilight of his career.

Hangeland has been strongly linked with the Gunners in the past, and while the rumors have calmed regarding the Norwegian captain, a man like him would do the Gunners a world of good at the moment, especially with Squillaci still not able to fully adapt to the EPL.

Hangeland's experience in the EPL would prove beneficial to Arsenal, and the fact that he can play in Europe only helps increase the possibilities of Arsenal conceding less goals in the contest, especially considering they play Barcelona in February.

The American born Norwegian would also give Arsenal height and much needed Aerial ability, giving Arsenal a much needed advantage in set-pieces and crosses, arguably the Gunners' greatest weakness.

At almost the age of 30, Hangeland would help the younger defenders greatly, especially with his leadership sand his ability to control the back-line.

Another goalkeeper being strongly linked with the Gunners, Stekelenburg was instrumental in Holland's run to the World Cup final, however his arrival at Arsenal would hinder the development of Fabianski and the other keepers, as Stekelenburg is only 28 years old.

However, the higher possibility would be for Stekelenburg to join Manchester United and replace the retiring van der Sar, and the Dutchman would probably prefer to ply his trade at Old Trafford, where there will be little to no competition at the moment.

John Heitinga would make a solid partnership with Thomas Vermaelen, as both the Dutchman and the Belgian International would complement each other's style wonderfully.

Heitinga was an instrumental part of Holland's run to the 2010 World Cup final, and had it not been for an Iniesta dive that led to him getting sent off, history could have been very different. 

Heitinga is versatile, having the ability to play as a right back and a defensive midfielder, and is also experienced when it comes to the EPL, he would also be priced at less than 15 million, and is at the right age that should attract Arsene Wenger and Arsenal

Heitinga was rumored along with Stekelenurg in the summer after the World Cup, and Arsenal would do well to consider adding the Dutchman to their ranks.

To those who haven't seen him, Chris Samba is a beast, his physical strength would add a completely new dimension to the Gunners' defense, and he would easily block all crosses coming at Arsenal's goal.

Samba has the strong aerial presence that would easily end Arsenal's problems during set-pieces, not to mention gaining an advantage during corners and set-pieces for the Gunners. Samba's main weakness is his speed, Wenger usually likes pace at the back, in case an attacker tries to catch Arsenal on the brake, but Samba's physical presence and aggressive nature makes up for his pace.

At only the age of 26, Samba would give the Gunners much needed cover for years to come, his physicality would add a new, much needed dimension to the Gunners.

Mertesacker has long been linked with the Gunners, but in the end it was only just that; rumors.

He might not be having the best season of his career, but Mertesacker would still be a quality defender that would easily earn his way in Arsenal's starting line-up at any day. 

Arsenal have lacked height at the back, and Mertesacker would easily solve this issue for the Gunners, making sure that towering strikers like Crouch or Zigic would remain quite during their encounters with the Gunners.

His price would also be reasonable, and he is considered the back-bone for the German team, one of the most impressive teams in the world of football at the moment. Arsene Wenger should consider signing the towering German before he signs for another club of Europe's elite, which would render a move to Arsenal unlikely.

While he is most definitely not what Arsenal need at the moment, Lukaku has been linked with the Gunners in the past, he is considered as one of the bright upcoming talents in the world of football, and that is usually something that catches the eyes of Arsene Wenger.

At only the age of 17. Lukaku has already played for Belgium's national team, and is a key player for Anderlecht, the strongest team in Belgium.

Lukaku definitely has a bright career ahead of him, at such a young age, he is considered a first team player for both club and country, and that has linked him with some of the world's finest clubs, including Arsenal.

If recent polls are to be believed, Jon Verthongen has been one of the players the Arsenal fans wanted to see the donning the Arsenal shirt, his similarities with Vermaelen are also inviting, a young Belgian international, who has the ability to score goals and is also a towering figure, Verthongen would mesh perfectly with Arsenal, and most notably Vermaelen, his former partner at Ajax, and also with the Belgian national team.

At the age of 23, Verthongen would be the perfect age for Arsenal, and would be a maturing defender among a maturing Arsenal squad. His price would also be considered reasonable, however Wenger needs to step-up his game and make an offer if he desires to add Verthongen among his ranks, for it is rumored that the top sides in Europe are monitoring the Belgian's progress, a move in the summer looks highly likely.

Considered by many as one of the most promising talents in Europe, Santon has been linked with an abundance of clubs, one of which is Arsenal.

Arsenal don't need to add a full-back to their ranks at the moment, but that might change with Eboue's likely departure in the summer, the Ivory Coast International has seen little playing time, and might fancy departing for a new adventure at a new club.

Santon is one of Italy's bright talents, and his arrival at Arsenal would complement the Gunners' young squad, and while the rumors seem highly unlikely to come true, they are interesting ones nevertheless.