Arsenal Transfer Rumours: 5 Potential January Moves to Bolster Gunners' Squad

Arsenal have been up and down all season long. From having matches where they couldn't buy a goal to others where the opposition cannot stop them from scoring at will, the Gunners have spent time on both ends of the spectrum in 2012-13.

However, with the January transfer window having now arrived, Arsenal will be looking to make the most of what they can on a shoestring budget despite their major profit reported earlier this year.

Several of the major clubs have already opened their accounts in the transfer window, and it will be interesting to see who the Gunners do indeed go after.

Theo Walcott

Say what you want but Theo Walcott has proven he is well worth a new contract at the Emirates. At the age of only 23, he has been in fine form all season long. According to Goal.com, he is close to getting a new deal in the range of his parameters.

The young England international has proven his worth this season and has always found a way to impact matches whether in the first team or when coming off the bench.

His new deal is reported to be valued at around £90,000-per-week and would see him commit his long term future to the Gunners.

David Villa

Barcelona attacker David Villa looks as though he is the latest veteran forward to be linked with a move to the Emirates in January.

According to Sam Mokbel of the Mail, he has been listed as a potential target for the club at a price tag in the region of £16 million.

His career at the Nou Camp started brightly with 53 appearances in 2010-11, as he scored 23 goals and added nine assists. However, since 2011 he has only made a total of 54 appearances for 17 goals and five assists.

The existence of Lionel Messi and his transition to a line-leading forward has seen Villa's role slowly diminish, and he could be on the move to a club where he is more needed than at Barcelona.

Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa

Montpelier defender Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa continues to be linked with a move to Arsenal according to the Mirror.

The club are desperate to eliminate the burden of both Sebastien Squillaci and Johan Djourou on defense, and if the two can be moved, then a place for Yanga-Mbiwa should be ready made.

It is believed that the player could potentially be available for around £3.5 million, and Arsenal's defense would be grateful to have him.

Yohan Cabaye

Newcastle playmaker and French international midfielder Yohan Cabaye has been linked with a shock move to the Emirates since the turn of the New Year.

According to the Daily Star, Cabaye is thought to be a potential target for the Gunners as they look for continued dynamic attacking support options in their midfield.

The paper reports that the player is valued at £20 million, and that Newcastle will be looking to make the Frenchman wait until summer before having a chance to move on, meaning Arsenal could be left wanting.

Benedikt Howedes

Arsenal are rumored to be looking at bringing in Schalke 04 defender Benedikt Howedes in the January transfer window, according to TalkSport.

Defense has not been a strong suit for the London based club this season, and could be why increasing the club's depth and options at the back is a key part of their January transfer strategy.

Manager Arsene Wenger would certainly appreciate having Benedikt Howedes at his disposal as a more reliable option to Sebastien Squillaci or Johan Djourou.