Arsenal’s top five targets of the January transfer window.
5. Lars Bender – Bayer Leverkusen
Although Arsenal made one of the subtly clever signings of the summer by bringing Matthieu Flamini back to the Emirates, they still have room for another world class defensive midfielder capable of both protecting the back four and starting attacks from deeper midfield positions.
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He would fit into Arsenal’s system comfortably after making himself one of the best middle players that the Bundesliga has to offer and would be another weapon in the arsenal (no pun intended) that Wenger can call on.
4. Alexandre Pato – Corinthians
Pato is a player that has already sampled the high life in Europe and is reportedly champing at the bit to get back and do it all over again. He’s already fallen out of favour in his homeland and will look toward a winter move to help secure his place in the Selecao ahead of next summer’s World Cup. Getting one over on Spurs in the process wouldn’t go amiss either, as they have also been linked with his signature.
He was once regarded as one of the brightest prospects in the game, and with the Gunners desperate for another striker, the two could very well help each other out.
3. Julian Draxler – Schalke
Draxler has long been linked with a move to England, with a whole host of top clubs said to be interested in his services. However, it is Arsenal who have often been at the forefront of the speculation and with the player virtually confirming his eventual arrival it will only be a matter of time before the talk becomes a reality.
Yet another young player that Arsene Wenger could mould into one of the world’s best, as he has done so many times before.
2. Ilkay Gundogan – Borussia Dortmund
Like Draxler, there is a distinct possibility that the 23-year-old will be heading to England sooner or later. Though he has been linked with a move to Manchester United, it wouldn’t be unfair to suggest that Arsenal are probably the more attractive offer at the moment as they continue to head the table as the season edges into the midway point.
He holds all of the attributes that Wenger likes, and with the current crop of German stars already doing so well at the club he would undoubtedly fit in without any problems.
1. Karim Benzema – Real Madrid
Contrasted to Pato, in Benzema Arsenal will get a world class striker capable of winning them the league simply by playing a bit part role, which many pundits have already given their backing to. The Frenchman’s future seemed to be in doubt earlier in the season, but he has pulled himself out of the funk and is once again firing on all cylinders. If Wenger can convince the club to sell he’ll be on to a winner.
Alongside compatriot Olivier Giroud, Wenger may also be giving a shot in the arm to France’s World Cup chances next summer – not that they need one with their group!