Here’s who the tabloids have linked to a January buy today:
1. Andrei Arshavin – He’s the type of player Wenger loves, but I don’t see it happening fortunately. He’d cost a fortune, has never played in a top-flight league and isn’t really what the team needs. Despite their troubles, the team is still 4th in the league in scoring. The real problem is that the defence is allowing more than a goal a game.
2. Shay Given for 8 million pounds. Yes, please. Almunia is decent but he’s not in Given’s class. This would be a major boost to the backline.
3. Mikel Arteta – I doubt Everton would sell, but his versatility would be a boost to the midfield.
If Wenger buys a centre-half and ball-winning midfielder some good things can still happen. The title is long gone but the fixture list for January and February is tame and Cesc, Eduardo and Theo should both be back for the run-in. That’s plenty of firepower to come back in to the side but unless the defensive personnel improves it won’t matter.
