Arsenal Transfer News: Buzz Surrounding Arsene Wenger's January Targets

Arsenal have had a rocky start to the 2014-15 season, and with injuries the main culprit, fans are already wondering whether or not the club will look for reinforcements during the January transfer window.

The Gunners were uncharacteristically busy during the summer but failed to address one or two specific needs, and untimely injuries have underlined the defensive frailty of Arsene Wenger's squad.

Talent isn't the issue—depth is. With that in mind, let's have a look at the latest buzz surrounding Wenger's rumoured targets.

Cheick Tiote

Scott Heppell/Associated Press

Newcastle United's Cheick Tiote told the Ivory Coast media he wants to leave his current club and confirmed Arsenal have already shown an interest in his services. As reported by Goal, he said:

"

I want to leave. I've spent four years with Newcastle. I think I have reached a stage where it's maybe time to look elsewhere for a new challenge.

I will focus on upcoming games and let's see what happens between now and December. 

It is true there were contacts for me from Arsenal and a club in Russia. I'd prefer to stay in England.

"

The 28-year-old defensive midfielder joined Newcastle in 2010, but given the Magpies' current struggles, it's not hard to see why the Ivory Coast international would see this as the perfect time to move on.

Tiote would add an element of physicality the Gunners currently lack in the centre of the pitch, and after four years with Newcastle, he brings a wealth of Premier League experience.

He's not a star player or the type of target that would excite the fans, but as he's made it clear he wishes to leave his current club, it wouldn't take a significant investment to bring him to the Emirates. As a midseason addition who would provide depth, the Gunners could do much worse than Tiote.

Isco

David Ramos/Getty Images

Spain international Isco may not be Real Madrid's preferred option in midfield right now, but the 22-year-old midfielder has made it very clear he has no intention of leaving the Spanish capital.

When asked about new arrival James Rodriguez and his role in the squad, Isco told reporters he believes the two can play together, via the Daily Star's Chisanga Malata:

"

We are compatible. He is a quality player and I have not had any problems with him. James is helping us a lot.

Like all players, I want to play but I am ready to be in the team whenever the coach wants.

I'm playing very little and hope to play more. Last year was amazing, winning titles, and I am very happy at Real Madrid.

"

One of the most talented midfielders in all of Europe, Isco would undoubtedly be a hot commodity on the transfer market should he decide to leave Los Blancos. He's at his best in the centre of the pitch but has the versatility to contribute in a wide role as well, similar to Manchester City's David Silva.

His future still appears to lie with Real, however, so fans shouldn't start ordering their custom jerseys just yet. A January move is highly unlikely, and any move for the talented youngster would command a hefty price tag.

Sami Khedira

Jose Ignacio Unanue/Associated Press

World Cup winner Sami Khedira was linked with a move to Arsenal throughout the summer window, and according to Fichajes (h/t to The Independent's James Orr), Wenger has his eyes set on a January move at a reduced fee.

Khedira has hardly featured for Real in 2014-15, and his contract is set to run out in the summer of 2015, making him a prime candidate for a winter deal. Los Blancos would rather cash in now than risk losing him on a free transfer in June, and the Gunners could take out other potential suitors by snapping him up now.

According to Marca (via Jan Aage Fjortoft), Real would rather not lose Khedira at all:

It's unlikely Khedira will resign with his current club, however. The Germany international has just two appearances as a substitute on the season, per WhoScored.com, and the arrival of the likes of Rodriguez and Toni Kroos indicates Carlo Ancelotti doesn't see him as a long-term option.

His ability as a box-to-box player would make for an intriguing fit with the Gunners, and if both parties could come to an agreement as far as wages go (per Orr), a reduced price tag for an experienced player who fills an area of need makes this a logical move in the January window.

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