Arsenal Transfer News: Stephan Lichtsteiner Talks Revealed, Alex Song Opens Door

Versatile Juventus full-back Stephan Lichtsteiner "has been contacted by Arsenal," according to Gianluca Di Marzio of Sky Sport Italia.

The Swiss star, who is capable of playing on the right wing or as a right-back, is said to be working his way through contract negotiations with the Turin-based club.

Arsene Wenger is hoping to take advantage of the 30-year-old's "hesitation" to commit, according to the London Evening Standard, in an attempt to aid the north London side's current defensive problems.

Calum Chambers continues to fill in at right-back for the injured Mathieu Debuchy, despite suggestions he could eventually move into a central midfield role.

Lichtsteiner would offer quality cover and competition to any right-sided player currently at the Emirates. He is an aggressive, defensively minded busybody whose tenacity makes him an important player for the Bianconeri, as noted in the video below:

Arsenal are lacking grit at times and could use quality additions to reinforce the squad's credentials ahead of a busy run.

Juve fans have watched Lichtsteiner score one goal and assist two in eight Serie A matches this season, averaging 1.1 tackles and 1.3 interceptions each game, per WhoScored.com. He is a more attacking outlet than Chambers, who has one assist and an average of two tackles and three interceptions, so he could offer support ahead of the youngster if he is destined to continue fulfilling duties in defence.

Arsenal's inability to dominate physically extends itself to midfield, where Wenger is yet to land a reliable defensive destroyer.

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Mikel Arteta and Mathieu Flamini are dogged, yet easily overcome when facing power. Abou Diaby's residence on the injury table suggests he will rarely reach his potential. Meanwhile, many will point toward the manager's decision to let Alex Song join Barcelona in 2012 as a mistake by the French boss.

Song is now enjoying a rich run of form on loan at West Ham, with his recent performance in the win over Manchester City standing out, per football writer SamuelJayC:

The former Gunners man has opened the door to a permanent move back to England, something Wenger may be interested in. Sky Sports reported the Cameroonian midfielder's comments:

"

My family, everyone is happy here. I’m very happy to come back to England. I've always said if I move from Barcelona, I’ll come to England and my future is here anyway. I just want to enjoy playing at the moment and we’ll see what is happening at the end of the season.

"

Gareth Copley/Getty Images

Song is proving reliable after a disappointing World Cup, which saw him dismissed for deliberately striking Croatia's Mario Mandzukic, but it's likely Sam Allardyce will be hoping to land him permanently at the end of the season.

Arsenal can easily afford better terms, have greater trophy prospects and could slot him straight into the heart of midfield. Wenger's next few acquisitions don't need to be individual world-beaters. Arsenal have their attacking stars in Alexis Sanchez, Aaron Ramsey and (potentially) Mesut Ozil. They now need to cement the cracks of a depleted base.

Both Lichtsteiner and Song would be sensible signings for a manager whose team remain a few warriors short of making a significant title charge.