Arsenal Transfer News: Arsene Wenger Reportedly Fears Being Ripped off in Winter

Arsene Wenger is facing a catch-22 as he heads toward the January transfer window. The Arsenal boss knows he must add to injury-depleted central midfield ranks missing both Francis Coquelin and Santi Cazorla for lengthy spells.

But Wenger is facing up to the reality his top targets won't be available this winter. He's also wary about being set elevated prices. In particular, Wenger fears selling clubs will take advantage of the Gunners' injury crisis and exaggerated need for reinforcements, according to MailOnline's Sami Mokbel.

His concerns stem from Cazorla joining Coquelin in the treatment room for an extended period of time, per Mokbel:

"

And it is likely Cazorla will be unavailable until March in another crushing injury blow to Arsene Wenger's squad.

With the club's other first-choice central midfielder, Francis Coquelin, also a long-term absentee, Arsenal are now resolved to enter the transfer market for reinforcements next month.

Despite his unease at spending in January, Wenger knows he must enter the market - particularly in central midfield - if his side are to maintain a title challenge.

"

Finding the players he needs isn't going to be easy. More specifically, Wenger faces a daunting task landing the players he actually wants.

Wenger's list of targets is headed by Bayer 04 Leverkusen's Lars Bender, according to James Benge of the London Evening Standard. Meanwhile, Mokbel also throws Sporting Lisbon playmaker William Carvalho into the mix.

Wenger's fears about prices and availability could force him into cut-price alternatives, per Mokbel: "[The] club are keen to pursue potential loan deals."

It's natural for Wenger to fear rising prices in January. Ultimately, though, this is a fear the Gunners chief will have to overcome.

After all, the Frenchman's current options for central midfield aren't the most awe-inspiring. Mokbel detailed the favourite Coquelin and Cazorla alternatives from within the current squad: "Wenger's injury problems mean Aaron Ramsey and Mathieu Flamini—a player the club actively tried to sell in the summer—will play central midfield for the foreseeable future."

Michael Regan/Getty Images

Mathieu Flamini lacks the discipline, especially in terms of positional sense, to be the defensive-minded holding player the Gunners lack while Coquelin is on the shelf. Aaron Ramsey has thrived centrally in the past, but his value on the right side of Arsenal's front three often goes understated.

The Welshman provides positional and structural balance. His work rate and crafty movement add fluidity to the Gunners, both in forward areas and in defence.

Wenger has already expressed his reluctance to waste Ramsey's attacking flair in a deeper role, as noted by Ian Winrow of the Daily Star: "Ramsey is more an offensive player. He is not a tactical, defensive player."

But needs must when the alternatives, Mikel Arteta and Jack Wilshere, are also injured.

Try as he might, Wenger can't disguise Arsenal's need for central midfield help this winter. If he's really committed to equipping his squad with the strength in the middle it needs to sustain a credible challenge for the Premier League title, Wenger will pay up.