Arsenal Transfer Rumors: 10 Latest Players Rumored to Be Coming to the Emirates

Charlie Melman@@charliemelmanX.com LogoCorrespondent IIJanuary 16, 2012

Arsenal Transfer Rumors: 10 Latest Players Rumored to Be Coming to the Emirates

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    After a pathetic and embarrassing defeat to Swansea, which I will try my best not to mention too much here, Arsenal fans can only look at the next batch of transfer rumors with hope, as they seek improvements in the team.

    With clear holes in the squad that glare when compared to the other teams competing for spots in the top four, Arsenal must spend in some capacity during this transfer window.

    With the rumor mill happy to sate grumbling Gooners, here are 10 of the latest transfer rumors for you to mull over until Arsenal's next fixture against Manchester United.

Scott Dann

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    With the Gunners' defence seemingly losing a player every match, and since Barcelona—er, Swansea—tore Arsenal's back line to shreds at the weekend, Blackburn defender Scott Dann has seen himself linked with a move to Emirates Stadium.

    Dann had a great season last campaign with relegated Blackburn, but he has not lived up to the bar he set with his performances for Blackburn, which itself may be relegated this year.

    The move would seem a bit illogical to me, especially considering that Arsenal's needs lie elsewhere.

Aly Cissokho

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    Proposed as a solution to Arsenal's full back crisis, Aly Cissokho would be a fiscally responsible purchase, and he would greatly help out at the Emirates.

    The Frenchman has been linked to Arsenal and Newcastle, but the Gunners would do well to snatch this supreme athlete away from the Tynesiders.

    If and when Kieran Gibbs gets injured again, Cissokho could use his blazing pace and endless stamina to dominate the left flank at Emirates, and I am confident that he would be a great success in the Premier League.

Hugo Rodallega

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    On the other end of the pitch, Arsenal are desperately in need of a permanent solution at striker to support Robin van Persie, with Thierry Henry only available for another month.

    And with WIgan striker Hugo Rodallega out of contract in the summer, he has been linked with a move to Emirates Stadium, despite Roberto Martinez's protestations to the contrary.

    However, barring the fact that Rodallega is not actually that good, it is very unlike Arsene Wenger to open his wallet for a player he could get for free during the summer.

Christopher Samba

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    If Arsenal are to move for a center back during this transfer window, I would hope that it would be Christopher Samba.

    The former Arsenal manager believes that Samba would be a great partner for Thomas Vermaelen. And, since the Congolese has just submitted a formal transfer request, the time is perfect to secure the services of the type of steely presence that Arsenal require.

    For depth or for skill, Chris Samba would be a fantastic acquisition for Arsenal.

Saad Al-Mukhaini

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    In one of the lower profile transfer stories to emerge this week, Omani left back Saad Al-Mukhaini was been given a trial with Arsenal.

    The only reason why this story has been publicized to the extent that it has, is because of the full back crisis that the Gunners are currently experiencing.

    In reality, Arsenal trial players all the time. And, even if this player were deemed good enough to merit a contract, he would not be able to contribute in any meaningful way for years.

Eden Hazard

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    In one of the more shocking stories to emerge recently, CaughtOffside predicts that Belgian wunderkind Eden Hazard is set to join Arsenal in a sensational swap for £25 million, Sebastien Squillaci, Marouane Chamakh and Andrei Arshavin.

    While I would be delighted if this deal were to take place, anything so amazing that it has to be reported on CaughtOffside will probably not materialize into an Arsenal transfer.

    Arsene Wenger would have to smash his transfer record and give up three players who he has repeatedly put his faith in in order for this deal to happen.

    Don't bet money on it.

Matias Suarez

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    This rumor simply will not die because of the dire straits that Arsenal find themselves in at the striker position.

    Despite the fact that Arsene Wenger has moved to squash the story and there have been no recent indications of a move, many remain hopeful that a deal will imminently be finalized for the Argentine.

    While Suarez would undoubtedly be a quality addition, it is best for all wishful fans to move on from what seems to be a dead rumor.

Ravel Morrison

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    Continuing the theme of potential young signings, disgruntled 18-year-old Manchester United midfielder Ravel Morrison has been rumored to be a January target for Arsene Wenger.

    Contract talks between Morrison and Newcastle United reportedly broke down recently, and Arsene Wenger is apparently ready to pay the wages that neither the Magpies nor the Red Devils will fork over.

    With so many talented young midfielders coming through the ranks at the Emirates, take this story with massive chunks of salt.

Leandrio Damiao

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    Once again, it's those folks at CaughtOffisde causing a stir by linking highly-rated Brazilian forward Leandro Damiao with a transfer to Emirates Stadium this month.

    Due to the fact that this story comes from the aforementioned website, file it in the "hefty grain of salt" category in terms of how likely the deal is to go through.

    Damiao has not yet played in any top domestic league, as he currently plies his trade for Internacional in Brazil.

    And Wenger would have to break his transfer record by purchasing the youngster, as he is rated at around £20 million.

Eric Abidal

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    One of the players most strongly linked to Arsenal to alleviate the Gunners' left back crisis is Eric Abidal, who would be the ideal solution, in my opinion.

    Barcelona do not absolutely need the 32-year-old French left back, who could arrive on a short term deal, as his age would prohibit the type of long contract that Arsene Wenger resists.

    Part of a golden generation of French left backs, Abidal is experienced, solid in defence as well as attack and has the versatility to play center half, which teams do not tend to value until it becomes an unfortunate necessity.

    If Wenger decides to spend during this transfer window, I would be unsurprised—but very pleasedif he decides to bring in his compatriot Abidal.

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