There’s an argument that would suggest Arsenal are punching above their weight this season considering the injury problems they’re currently suffering.
With that in mind, Arsene Wenger will no doubt dip into the transfer market, but with many of his preferred targets not likely available until the summer, his new year shopping list will see him move for more short term options to keep the club on track.
Below are three players that the Gunners could bring in during January to ensure that they are in the mix for honours at the end of the campaign.
3. Benedikt Howedes – Schalke
With Per Mertesacker slowing down even more and injuries catching up with Laurent Koscielny, the Schalke skipper would be a prudent purchase for Wenger.
He may not have any Premier League experience, but he is a seasoned international with bags of experience in the Champions League and won’t come to the club all wet behind the ears.
A natural born leader, he would provide some serious competition for a starting spot in the back line and could even prove to be an eventual replacement for Mertesacker.
2. Jese Rodriguez – Real Madrid
The Spaniard has already made noises about leaving the La Liga giants in the near future given his lack of playing time and may well be open to a swift exit in the new year.
Rodriguez can feature comfortably anywhere across the front three and could step in and put pressure on both Theo Walcott and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain once they return to full fitness.
Currently stuck behind the likes of Gareth Bale, Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema in the Real pecking order, it’s no shock he’s not playing much, and would stand a greater chance of playing regularly in north London.
1. Alexandre Pato – Corinthians
The former Milan starlet has seen his career hit the skids somewhat since his return to Brazil, and is believed to be open to coming back to Europe.
Under a manager like Wenger, he could thrive easily. Some stability under a strong manager with defined concepts of how he wants the game played would surely turn the 26-year-old into one of the league’s most prolific goalscorers.
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