Arsenal Transfer News: Taye Taiwo, Aly Cissokho and More Left Back Targets

Arsenal need to upgrade their defensive depth in the transfer window while defenders Thomas Vermaelen, Bacary Sagna, Andre Santos and Kieran Gibbs are all injured.

Left back is a real position of need since both Santos and Gibbs are injured right now. 

AC Milan star Taye Taiwo and Lyon defender Aly Cissokho are two very good left backs who Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger must think about making a strong transfer bid for this month.

Wenger would be smart finding another left back to cover for injured players, and a loan deal involving several players is a possibility.

Let's look at a few quality left backs Wenger should consider making a bid for.

Kieran Richardson

The Sunderland winger can feature as an attacking player and as a defender on the left side of the pitch, which would give Arsenal some versatility in their lineup.

Richardson is an experienced player who has been in the Premier League for a while, and wouldn't need to adjust to the rigors of English football.

Wenger must not overpay for Richardson, who is an important player at Sunderland, but his EPL experience and versatility would be a fabulous addition to the Gunners squad for the rest of the season.

Taye Taiwo

AC Milan are the reigning champions of Italy and currently lead Serie A, but star left back Taye Taiwo has not been an important player in the team recently.

The Metro recently touched on Taiwo's future with the Italian club.

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AC Milan's Taiwo has also been suggested as an option after falling down the pecking order in Italy, but agent Fabio Parisi has ruled it out, saying: 'With Arsenal there was only a rumour.  There has been no offer with AC Milan.'

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Taiwo is not only a strong player; he has really good pace too.  Playing in Serie A has helped him become a solid all-around defender who brings a tremendous amount of skills to a club's back four.

Taiwo would be a massive upgrade at left back for Arsenal, but the transfer fee required to bring him to the Emirates might be too high for Wenger's liking.

Aly Cissokho

The Lyon left back has been a very good player in Ligue 1 during his career, but the French club already has players ready to replace him if the 24-year-old leaves the club this month.

The Mirror has reported that Wenger is considering Cissokho as an option for Arsenal's need at left back.

Cissokho has exceptional speed and he can really defend well against bigger players.  He also has experience at the international level with France, and would not be an expensive signing for Wenger. 

As a player coming to the Emirates on loan or a permanent move, Cissokho would be a fantastic fit with the Gunners.

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