Arsenal Transfer News: 7 Players Wenger Will Target as Transfer Window Closes

Arsene Wenger. Does that name ring a bell, command awe or raise "red flags"?

Probably all three, thanks to the current debacle that Arsenal faces! He's been known to be a sharp eye for talent, making the club a good amount of money with his choices in players!

However, the question remains: Does the Frenchman still have it in him to revive Arsenal's hopes?

Speaking of hope, the January transfer window (fire sale, anyone?) comes to a close in a few days, and there has been much speculation as to Wenger's picks for the ongoing season—one that seems to be replete with early Arsenal losses, the return of the legendary Thierry Henry (if only for a month or two) and the 'sense of desperation' that the fans are left grappling with.

With time running out, who will Wenger lure to the club?

Here are 7 players whose names have come up in recent Arsenal transfer news...

Stefanos Kapino

Wojciech Szczesny needs backup—or so Arsene Wenger thinks. Having three goalkeepers in the squad namely Lukasz Fabianski, Vito Mannone and Manuel Almunia just won't do!

Probably a lack of trust in his current crop of keepers might be the reason why he has been interested in Stefanos Kapino for sometime now, according to the Daily Mail.

Edin Visca

Playing with the Istanbul BB club in Turkey that boasts of owning the largest stadium yet very few supporters (with an uncanny sense of humor), Edin Visca has made his presence felt for some six months now.

According to Sky Sports, the Bosnian winger is very clear about not "moving the goalposts" just yet. Yes, Turkey is where he stays until the winter transfer window, but who's to say what might happen, with Wenger "playing his cards close to his chest"?

Matias Suarez

There were rumors that linked Matias Suarez to Arsenal, thanks to their interest in his skills that he's been honing at Anderlecht. According to Javier Perez, a journalist who claims to have spoken with him over the phone, the recipient of the Gouden Schoen award has been linked to signing a preseason contract with the Gunners.

Of course, the footballer begs to differ. We'll find out soon enough, won't we?

All this goes on, while Van Persie remains the only striker who delivers the goods...

Christopher Samba

Chris Samba, a defender at Blackburn Rovers, has been connected with a move to Arsenal following the news where he handed in a transfer request citing that "it's time for him to move on to a new challenge".

With Tottenham and QPR also interested in "beefing up" their defense, will Wenger beat them to the chase?

Or will Samba have to stay with Blackburn Rovers until the end of the season? Or a strike?

It seems as if the drama never stops, and one wonders is if Wenger will make the most of it?

Lukas Podolski

Playing for both Germany and FC Köln, Lukas Podolski has been another striker that Wenger has shown interest in. Thanks to his footballing skills that was made evident with Klose in the match against Argentina during the World Cup in 2011.

And ever since his recent appearance in a Gunners' tee, he has been linked to joining Arsenal sooner rather than later.

But is that sufficient proof to suggest a move? Your guess is as good as mine...

Lucas Barrios

To get Lucas Barrios, it'll take €9 million.

Rumor has it that he is not doing too well with his current club Borussia Dortmund despite being responsible for the Bundesliga title that they won in the 2010-11 season, after a nine-year title "drought."

Probably, giving Wenger the opportunity to snap up this striker that could add some "venom" to the Arsenal attack that they sorely lack...

Julian Draxler

With the distinction of being the fourth-youngest player in the Bundesliga, this 18-year-old midfielder, Julian Draxler, has been in the news recently as Wenger is looking for fresh talent.

Some say that a swap of Arshavin and Draxler is in the works, and considering the former's performance, fervently hope so...

Wonder what Inter Milan has to say about this?