Arsenal Transfer News: Arsene Wenger Sparks Rumours with January Revelation

Arsene Wenger has vowed to spend money in the January transfer window after Mathieu Debuchy's recent injury further weakened his Arsenal defence.

Paul Brown of the Daily Star reports that Wenger will definitely enter the market, after Debuchy dislocated his shoulder during the Gunners' 3-0 win against Stoke City.

Brown quoted the Frenchman discussing his plans, with Wenger stressing that the lack of depth in his squad is a real issue: "We lost another experienced defender and that gives us a problem because we are really short. I was in the market anyway but for sure losing Debuchy means centre-back is a position where we are short."

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Arsenal have found consistent form difficult to attain during 2014-15, so Wenger's comments come as no surprise. His side have certainly improved in recent times, but Debuchy's injury further underlines the paper-thin make-up of the north London outfit.

The Gunners are in desperate need of defensive cover both at the back and in midfield, with opponents often exposing this very specific weakness.

Morgan Schneiderlin of Southampton remains a target for Wenger after the player's tremendous performance against Manchester United saw the Saints defeat the Old Trafford club on Sunday.

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Schneiderlin caught the eye with his defensive work and midfield acumen, with Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville urging Arsenal to add him to their squad, per Arash Hekmat of the Mirror:

"

He could play at any of the top clubs in the league. I'm talking Chelsea, Manchester City, Arsenal, Manchester United, Liverpool and Tottenham. He is that good. He has been doing it over a two- or three-year period now. He has shown himself to be the real thing.

If you're Arsenal this week, you look at Schneiderlin and think. They've got money, Arsenal.

"

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Schneiderlin has been key for Ronald Koeman as part the Saints' dramatic rise up the Premier League table, with the player featuring in 16 games in the domestic league, scoring three times, per Squawka.

However, Izzy Horsefield of the Express says United and Louis van Gaal now plan to "hijack" Arsenal's move for the talented midfielder, with MUTV pundit Danny Higginbotham telling talkSPORT that the Red Devils could now focus on him:

"

There will be a lot of teams around that are interested in signing [Schneiderlin], and he may even look at today—no disrespect to Southampton—as an advert to put himself on show. Man Utd are still a little bit short in midfield, and I'm sure that they'll be looking to get new players in.

"

Scott Heppell/Associated Press

If Arsenal miss out on the Saints star, they could turn their attentions to Newcastle United midfielder Moussa Sissoko—who recently admitted a move to work for Wenger would appeal to him.

John Cross of the Mirror quotes the Magpies player speaking to French TV show Telefoot: "I hope I’ll leave for a bigger club one day. England is my priority. If Arsene Wenger calls, I’ll have a man-to-man ­discussion with him and then we’ll see. Arsenal has always been the club of my heart."

Sissoko would be a versatile option for Wenger, but with the Gunners' issues being further back, it is questionable whether the France international is required.

He has performed well at Newcastle and certainly needs to make the next step in his career, but Arsenal need a different kind of midfielder at present—one who can offer true defensive protection.

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It also now looks unlikely Wenger will move for talented West Ham United defender Winston Reid to solve his problems, with Graeme Bailey of Goal saying the Arsenal boss has cooled his interest.

Reid is nearly out of contract with the Hammers, and Bailey says the player wishes to stay in the London area. But the writer adds Wenger has "prioritised other defensive targets" as Reid continues dialogue with West Ham over a new deal.

Wenger is right to enter the transfer market in January, as his defence looks inadequate for a Champions League position.

The rise of Southampton and Manchester United into the top four has put pressure on Arsenal to get their season rolling, but they need additional leadership at the back and in midfield.

If the Gunners boss can grab a player who adds genuine steel to the team, they could leapfrog those above them and guarantee they are not left floundering in the Europa League.

Schneiderlin would be perfect for Arsenal with his all-round ability and Premier League knowledge, but on current form, there would surely be a huge premium to pay to acquire his talents before the end of the month.