Arsenal Transfers: 5 Goal Scorers Gunners Could Make Run for in January Window

Arsenal—one of the most storied EPL clubs in history—has struggled in the early going of the 2012 season. With one win, two draws and just two goals, Arsenal's offense could use a boost from any of these five players.

The Gunners haven't finished outside the top five in the Premier League standings this century, but a slow start has raised some questions for the longest-tenured EPL club in history.

Arsenal currently sits eighth in the standings, but they are just three matches in to a 38-game season. The panic meter shouldn't be high for one of the most successful teams in Premier League history. 

However, an offensive boost is always welcomed in the always-competitive Premier League.

Any of these five additions could provide a spark during the always-important January transfer window.

Hatem Ben Arfa

Hatem Ben Arfa, or Ben Arfa, is a French midfielder currently playing for Newcastle United. His ball skills would be a great addition to the Arsenal front.

In three Premier League games this season, Arfa has two goals on three shots. Last season, he tallied seven goals in combination with his time on the French National team.

It appears a disrupted preseason due to the Euro 2012 hasn’t affected Arfa. He would be a great addition for the Gunners on the wing as an attacking midfielder.

Francisco Alarcon Suarez (Isco)

Francisco Alarcon Suarez, known as Isco, is an international talent that could be on the Arsenal radar come January. Isco currently plays in Spain’s Premier Division, La Liga, for Málaga.

Isco is a young forward that appears to be on the verge of a breakout. The 20-year-old netted six goals last season―five with Málaga and one for Spain’s U20 team at the World Cup.

He is currently on the map of a few Premier League teams, including Arsenal and La Liga's Barcelona.

The up-and-coming attacker could make a nice addition to the Gunners’ attack.

Adrian Lopez

Another Spanish international talent on the Arsenal radar is Adrian Lopez. The versatile forward is in the prime of his career.

At 24 years old, Lopez has a history of goal scoring success. In 2010-11, he netted 12 goals for Deportivo La Coruna. Last year, the emerging star scored 23 combined goals, including 18 with Atletico Madrid and five for Spain in the UEFA U21.

He is currently playing for Atletico Madrid in Spain’s La Liga, but could be looking for an EPL team in the near future.

Stevan Jovetic

If Jovetic doesn’t sign with Manchester City in the near future, Arsenal needs to make a play for him. The 22-year-old is recovering well from a knee injury and is continuing his success in Serie A with Fiorentina.

Jovetic is known for his excellent ball-handling skills and his ability to use both feet. In previous years, he has garnered attention from some of the biggest names in Europe, like Manchester United and Real Madrid.

The Yugoslavia-born Jovetic isn’t the fastest player, but what he lacks in speed he makes up for in skill. He netted 14 goals last season for Fiorentina. Before missing 2010-11 with the knee injury, Jovetic ripped another 12 combined goals in 2009-10.

He may be just the right price for the Gunners to pick up, but that’s only if he is still available.

Jermain Defoe

Currently playing in the EPL, Defoe is a great finisher that has struggled to secure a consistent spot in the Tottenham lineup. If he wants to break out of that substitute role, Arsenal could have a place for him.

Former Gunner Ian White says that Defoe is the man to replace Robin van Persie. Defoe is a quick player with a great long-range shot, but at 29 he may have his game too cemented to adapt to the Arsenal system.

He’s a very confident player that can be criticized for his inability to play a team game. That won’t fit well with Arsenal. With 58 combined goals in three previous seasons and three goals in four contests this year, he has a consistent scoring touch.

He might be the replacement offense that the Gunners are looking for to get back to the top of the EPL.