Arsenal Transfer News: January Moves Will Have Strong Impact on Gunners' Season

Arsenal has endured a little blip recently with two losses, two wins and one tie in its last five games. The team is still in a much better position than it was very early in the season.

Arsenal's season was always dependent on how they did during the transfer windows and it is even more important in January.

The Gunners have fared well without their four full-backs in recent games but things are getting trickier each week.

Bacary Sagna is recovering quicker than expected, but he may not be back until the end of January. The other three full-backs are out for a much longer time, and Thomas Vermaelen is back on the injury list as well.

Thierry Henry is on the way, though there has been a little snag in the closing of the loan deal.  Arsenal has gotten the forward it needs, even if it is just on the short term.

The players and manager have confidence in Henry's abilities to be productive and hopefully any unease will be put to rest quickly.

If Wenger really wants to see his team do as he expects, he should get help in whatever way possible. Arsenal's defense is the leakiest of all the top six teams, and that will not be helped by the continued absences of its starters.

Arsene Wenger has hinted at a move for a defender on loan, but he also says that no talks have begun at all. One has to wonder just how long he will wait to tie up any deals, especially if a loan is the most likely option.

Arsenal's remaining January fixtures are not daunting, but they should not be overlooked. The team has home games against Leeds and Manchester United and away games against Swansea City and Bolton as well as a FA Cup tie that will be determined by the Leeds game.

These fixtures would give any new signing a little time to get accustomed to the team and help in the best way they can. Any new signing should be experienced enough to help stabilize the team until the starters return.

They may all be loan signings, but this January window is one that Arsene Wenger must use to make sure his team does not falter.