Arsenal Transfer News: Blockbuster Deals Eyed by Arsene Wenger in January

January is set to be one of the biggest months of Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger’s lengthy tenure, as without making key signings, the calls for his dismissal will only get louder.

While it’s ludicrous that a man who’s given the Gunners unprecedented success be treated with about the same affection as an Emirates pitch invader, that’s the reality as we edge closer to the transfer window opening.

Here, we look at two big-name stars that could well be coming in to rescue the Frenchman before the guillotine comes down.

Benedikt Howedes

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One of Arsenal’s biggest problems at the moment is a lack of consistency—one week they can be world class (take the 4-1 win over Newcastle on Saturday, for example), and the next, it’s a totally different story.

That’s particularly true at the back, with the club’s defence constantly being called into question—by journalist Piers Morgan, for one:

So, it’s unsurprising to see reports emerging of Wenger chasing German World Cup winner Benedikt Howedes—one of the most reliable defenders in the Bundesliga.

As Neil Moxley of the Sunday People reports, via the Mirror, the Gunners will be looking to bring the Schalke man to the Emirates for a fee of around £15 million.

That’s well within the Gunners’ budget, and the defender would provide a key attribute for Wenger’s back line—versatility.

As we saw in the World Cup, Howedes is able to make the switch from centre-back out to the left side of defence with ease, and the German contingent in north London may be enough to tempt him into making the switch.

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Wenger has said he may be forced into the transfer market this January, particularly with Laurent Koscielny’s fitness constantly hanging in the balance—per ESPN.co.uk:

"If everybody is fit and available we don't need to go on the transfer market, but we have to consider that Koscielny could be a question mark with his fitness and we have to go out on the transfer market, yes."

Although Howedes has two years left on his current contract with Schalke, the German outfit will be tempted to sell for the right fee. And as he’s valued at just £15 million, that’s certainly the right fee from Arsenal’s point of view.

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Howedes won’t solve all of Arsenal’s defensive issues, he’s far from a miracle worker, but the experience, versatility and professionalism that he’d bring to the Gunners’ cause could prove invaluable.

Likelihood Factor: 6/10

Schalke will understandably be reluctant to sell one of their star men, but cashing in could prove too tempting a proposition to miss. It’s all a case of how deep Wenger wants to rummage in his pockets.

Romulo

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Brazilian midfielder Romulo may not be a household name in the world of football, but his potential makes him a very exciting proposition.

A defensive midfielder with pace, skill and vision in abundance, Romulo has impressed immensely since joining Spartak Moscow in 2012, and as Jamie Sanderson reports for Metro, he’s very much on Wenger’s radar.

The 24-year-old was linked with a move to the Emirates over the summer, and while that deal fell through, it seems like it’s a case of second time lucky for the man valued at £8 million.

Brazilian newspaper Lance! revealed, via Sanderson, that the transfer is being ironed out between Arsenal and the midfielder, with both parties hoping to tie it up as soon as Monday.

Although Romulo has proved injury prone in his career so far. He appears to have turned a corner recently, but can Wenger afford to sign someone that could spend much of his life on the treatment table?

Well, apparently so, but Arsenal may have to fight off competition for the midfielder’s signature, as journalist Henrik Hindby reported:

If the Gunners manage to bring Romulo to the Emirates and keep him fit, then they’ll have a real star, and a necessary one with Mikel Arteta and Mathieu Flamini getting a little seasoned.

Likelihood Factor: 7/10

Arsenal’s need for a young, exciting defensive midfielder will play a big part in the deal, and Wenger’s love for a bargain will also contribute.