Arsenal Transfer News: Latest Rumours on Arsene Wenger's Future Targets

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger could finally be making moves to resolve his midfield's lack of power and defensive nous.

The Gunners chief is reportedly stepping up his efforts to sign Adrien Rabiot. However, the talented youngster might not be as good a fit as Sporting Lisbon behemoth William Carvalho.

Here's the latest on Wenger's attempts to find a defensive anchor for his midfield.

Wenger Preparing January Bid for Rabiot

Arsenal's interest in teenage Paris Saint-Germain schemer Adrien Rabiot has apparently not waned. Wenger is preparing to bid for the 19-year-old during the January transfer window, per Daily Mirror reporter John Cross:

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Arsene Wenger is making a fresh attempt to sign Paris Saint Germain whizzkid Adrien Rabiot.

The Arsenal boss was keen on the 19-year-old midfielder in the summer window but they could not agree a deal with PSG.

But Wenger is still trying to get Rabiot and Arsenal will go back for him in January as the French under-21 prospect is out of contract next summer.

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Cross has also noted how Serie A side AS Roma remain keen on Rabiot. That makes sense considering Roma boss Rudi Garcia favours the same brand of fluid and stylish passing football Wenger preaches.

It's a mode of play suited to the skills Rabiot offers. He's classy and intelligent in possession, thanks to his good range of passing and excellent vision.

Of course, the current Arsenal squad is far from short of this type of player—Aaron Ramsey, Jack Wilshere, Santi Cazorla and Mikel Arteta all fit the mould.

What the Gunners are really missing is some uncompromising brawn to go with their ample reserves of flair and ingenuity. Wenger shouldn't expect to get that quality from ex-Manchester City youth flop Rabiot.

An inability to cope with the physical side of the game has been a problem throughout the youngster's career. It's something ESPN FC writer Jonathan Johnson noted back in 2012:

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At the tender age of just 17, Rabiot's waif-like physique is similar to that of Javier Pastore, the gifted Argentine playmaker at the heart of the Parc des Princes midfield. His height makes him a threat in the air but he often shies away from physical confrontation. Instead, Rabiot's positioning and excellent control of the ball keep him out of danger and away from conflict.

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That's not something that's really changed for Rabiot in the last two years. His slight frame and reticence to engage in the more combative aspects of the game are probably reasons why he hasn't made the grade in the French capital.

But in typical Wenger fashion, Rabiot is an expert playmaker. His comfort on the ball was detailed by Squawka writer Omar Hamouda:

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The youngster is renowned for his passing capabilities, and his astute 90 per cent pass accuracy in Ligue 1 last represents that. Rabiot misplaced just 83 passes in his 25 appearances in the French division, and at just 19 years of age, it bodes brilliantly for his future.

Rabiot is more defensive-minded, and he can be excused for his faltering ability to grab a goal or two.

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Rabiot is a hugely promising player, but he might not solve Arsenal's biggest issues. He's more a deep-lying playmaker than a rugged destroyer.

Carvalho Ready to Stay at Sporting

One brute in the middle Wenger may not be able to sign is Sporting star Carvalho, who appears ready to stay with the Portuguese club.

A report in Portuguese newspaper Record (h/t Daily Mirror) has suggested the powerful 22-year-old is about to agree fresh terms with Sporting. That would be something of a blow for the Gunners.

Wenger's squad needs balancing. The only way to do it is to add more muscle alongside the many maestros in the middle. Wenger has certainly shown interest in natural defensive midfielder Carvalho.

Another report in Record (h/t Daily Star writer Chisanga Malata) detailed a failed bid from the Gunners during the summer window: "Gunners boss Arsene Wenger had a £24m bid for the Portugal star rejected last week by Sporting, who insisted that Carvalho would not be sold unless his £37m buy-out clause was met."

Wenger's interest in Carvalho makes perfect sense. The player has a natural inclination for defensive work; he patiently shields his defence and has the strength and aggression to break up attacks.

Carvalho is certainly a superior athlete to savvy-but-ageing captain Arteta. Wenger would be wise to test Sporting's resolve once again before Carvalho puts pen to paper on a new deal.

It's encouraging that the players currently linked with Arsenal show that Wenger is focusing on a position of obvious need. In the attack-minded, playmaker-heavy team he envisages, Arsenal need an anchor to give the schemers the platform from which to create.