Arsenal Transfer News: Big-Money Signings Targeted by Arsene Wenger

Arsenal’s defensive frailties were exposed once again in their most recent Premier League outing, as Hull City snaffled a 2-2 draw at the Emirates Stadium. And as the weeks tick by, Arsene Wenger’s decision not to bolster his side with defensive reinforcements in the summer looks increasingly peculiar.

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For Arsenal supporters, it will probably come as some form of comfort that the club are being linked with a host of players who are capable of adding some much-needed steel to an extremely lightweight Gunners midfield. 

Speaking at the club’s recent AGM, the French boss vowed that he’ll look to add defensive reinforcements in the January window, per David Hynter of The Guardian:

"

I agree we could have bought one more player.

We didn’t find [him]. We will try in December to rectify that because we are a bit short with the injuries we have and, overall, I think we will rectify that on the transfer market in January.

"

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Here’s the very latest on a couple of options Wenger is reportedly pursuing ahead of the mid-season window and a look at the chances of each player donning the iconic red and white for the second half of the campaign.

Morgan Schneiderlin Is Top January Target

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Arsenal’s search for a combative central midfielder has reportedly come full circle, as they look set to reignite their interest in the Morgan Schneiderlin. The Frenchman was long linked with moves to the Emirates and north London rivals Tottenham throughout the summer, but Southampton clung on their prized asset.

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But according to Steve Stammers of the Mirror, Wenger has an "open chequebook" in January, and although he’s not overly keen on a mid-season splurge, a premium of £25 million is perceived as excellent value for the 24-year-old.

The merits of pursuing a player like Schneiderlin are obvious for Arsenal; he’d bring myriad qualities currently lacking from the Gunners midfield. He’s still a young player, and if he was to join in January, he could lend a hand to the club in Europe—providing Arsenal are still in the Champions League come the new year.

Bleacher Report's Sam Tighe thinks that the Frenchman is the obvious solution to Arsenal's current problems:

At this juncture, though, why would Southampton even consider selling? If they were going to cash in on the Frenchman, they would have done so in the summer. However, the club clearly view him as paramount to their future. And after Schneiderlin’s stellar displays so far this season, there’s little wonder the club refused to entertain any offers for the midfield dynamo.

If Arsenal are to prise the Frenchman away from the south coast, then you suspect they’re going to have to spend more than the £25 million that has been reported. Given Wenger’s disdain for not only splashing the cash but the January market too—not to mention Southampton’s willingness to keep hold of their man—it’d be a major surprise to see this one go through in January.

Gunners Open Talks With Marcelo Brozovic 

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Arsenal have reportedly held talks with Croatian midfielder Marcelo Brozovic and are looking to secure a deal quickly. According to Simon Jones of the Mail Online, Brozovic has already been subject to a bid of £3.5 million from Italian giants Inter Milan, but the Gunners have also entered the fray and are in discussions over a £6.4 million deal with Dinamo Zagreb.

Jones goes on to say that the player’s representative, Miroslav Bicanic, is keen to discuss terms with the Premier League outfit and, subsequently, north London looks like the 21-year-old’s most likely destination. Here’s what Arsenal supporters can expect from the player, should he sign:

Stylistically, it’s easy to see why Wenger would be interested in the young Croatian. He’s a player who is composed and with the ball at his feet, and his versatility means he can play as an advanced, orthodox or withdrawn midfielder.

Croatian football expert Alex Holiga gave a breakdown of his attributes on Twitter, but he admitted he doesn't think he's quite good enough for Arsenal:

According to Jones’ piece, Wenger has cited Brozovic as a player who can dictate the tempo of a game from deep and screen the back four too.

But Brozovic is still young, still raw and although he impressed with a cameo display at the World Cup against Brazil, he still has plenty to learn at the highest level. If Arsenal are looking for a player to come in and fill a void immediately—something that is vital if they’re to challenge for major honours this season—then they should look for alternatives to the Dinamo man.