Arsenal Transfers: 5 January Signings Who Could Save Arsene Wenger's Job

Arsenal could use some reinforcements in the January window and there are a few signings that would help Arsene Wenger the most.

The Gunners boss has seen his decisions in the transfer market and during games questioned for yet another season of disappointment.

Arsenal is out of the Capital One Cup after a shocking loss, have a tough FA Cup tie, will face a long fight for a Champions League spot and have little chance of Champions League progression.

Fans have called for quality players to be signed to reinforce key areas in the squad.

Defense again remains a problem, while a lack of quality in the midfield and attacking thirds is still evident.

While it's fun to look at some of the more high-profile signings the club could make, we'll stick to some realism here. 

Here are five signings that could possibly save Arsene Wenger's job.

Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa

With Johan Djorou gone and Sébastien Squillaci more than likely to follow, Arsenal will need cover in central defense.

There's also the problem of a weak backup on the left side of defense in the form of Andre Santos. 

Signing Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa would certainly help solve the first problem and would at least add help for the second.

Yanga-Mbiwa can play all across the back line with comfort, which would be really helpful for Arsenal moving forward. He could also be next in line at left-back instead of Santos.

He showcased his skills in two games against Arsenal in the Champions league and has all the necessary tools to improve the defense.

Should the Gunners suffer long-term injuries to a number of defensive players again this season, Yanga-Mbiwa could step in where he's most needed and perform.

He could even become a starter should his competitors continue to make the mistakes they have this season.

According to the Daily Mirror, Arsenal could make a move for the French defender before the window closes.

A reported fee of just £3.5 million would make it a really good move.

Benedikt Howedes

Benedikt Howedes is another primarily central defender who could cover all the defensive positions for Arsenal.

His International and European experience would be also a huge plus for the side moving forward.

Interestingly enough, the German also played against Arsenal in the Champions League group stages.

TalkSport reports that Arsenal and other Premier League clubs could increase their interest in him considering his contract situation.

He would still be a tougher signing than the Montpellier defender, though.

Still, he would be quite a buy for Arsenal and, like Yanga-Mbiwa, a potential starter after a few games under his belt.

Etienne Capoue

Arsenal has been linked (via TalkSport) with a move for Etienne Capoue in the past.

The club's need for a natural defensive midfielder is clear despite Mikel Arteta's usually solid displays in that role. 

Signing a defensive midfielder would help both the offense and defense for the Gunners, and Capoue would be a great player to fill that role.

Capoue's defensive awareness would allow players like Mikel Arteta, Santi Cazorla and Jack Wilshere more freedom moving forward.

He could dominate the midfield with his physical presence, something Arsenal lacks when Abou Diaby is absent.

Capoue would provide a more defensive and, hopefully, more injury-free player for the Gunners midfield in a necessary position.

Toulouse isn't currently playing in European competition either and could help the squad against Bayern Munich.

Hatem Ben Arfa

Hatem Ben Arfa can provide that extra bit of creativity, flair and unpredictability that the Arsenal attack needs.

Lukas Podolski, Olivier Giroud and Theo Walcott are pretty direct options and none have the skills mentioned above.

Ben Arfa is capable of creating and assisting goals all on his own and would be a different option than many the Gunners currently have.

He was a rumored target in the Daily Star when there was still no solution on Walcott's contract situation.

Ben Arfa would be tougher to get now that Demba Ba has left Newcastle, but a good offer could certainly attract his current owners.

Andre Schurrle

Arsenal already has two German internationals who have put in some solid performances this season.

Both Lukas Podolski and Per Mertersacker are veterans, but Arsene Wenger could get a youngster with lots of potential in Andre Schurrle.

The Bayer Leverkusen attacker seems to be the perfect Wenger buy as he could help the team now and for a long time in the future.

Schurrle's versatility would allow Wenger to utilize him in the forward or two wide attacking roles.

His pace and finishing would make him an even more useful addition to the squad.

Arsenal was linked (via Daily Mail) with the player back in the summer, and his signing would strengthen an attack that needs help.