Arsenal Transfer News: Latest Rumours on Morgan Schneiderlin, Petr Cech and More

Arsene Wenger is rumoured to be in the market for a range of players as the January transfer window approaches, with Morgan Schneiderlin, Petr Cech and Moussa Sissoko currently among those linked to Arsenal.

Southampton managed to keep hold of Schneiderlin during the summer, which saw him hand in a transfer request amid interest from Tottenham. Tony Little of The Sun (subscription required) now suggests the towering Frenchman will "snub" advances from Spurs because "he wants to join north London rivals Arsenal."

Wenger's need for a new defensive midfielder became all too apparent during the side's 2-2 draw with Liverpool on Sunday. Mathieu Flamini was overwhelmed in the centre and consistently failed to break up the Reds' possession or find positions that would stop them advancing on goal. A physical type is needed to offer presence and a sense of calm.

Richard Heathcote/Getty Images

Schneiderlin is exactly the type of player who would add balance to Arsenal's play. The 25-year-old averages 3.6 tackles and 1.8 interceptions per match across 13 Premier League appearances this season, recorded by WhoScored.com. He is dominant in the air, comfortable on the ball and has even added a goalscoring touch this season after notching three goals in his first four displays.

Sissoko is a more energetic and versatile alternative. The Newcastle player is able to crash his way through central midfield or work on the right wing. He's not the most elegant of stars but possesses a natural physicality and ability to play at speed, something Wenger needs. Gunners fans may be interested to hear Sissoko has always admired the club, reported by John Cross of the Mirror:

"

I have ambition. My goal is to play at the best clubs, playing the Champions League, win trophies, but today I am a Magpie and I am very happy. Arsenal were my favourite club when I was young and my idol was Patrick Vieira. I have always loved this club and I still love them.

"

B/R UK's Sam Tighe tweeted a potential fee, while also offering comment on the rumour:

WhoScored.com provided ammo for those who believe Sissoko is suited to an Emirates stint:

Nigel Roddis/Getty Images

The need for midfield and defensive reinforcements remains desperate, but Wenger's recent goalkeeping problems have been eased. Damian Martinez showed he is an adequate No. 3 when Wojciech Szczesny and David Ospina were unavailable. Even so, the club continue to be linked with Chelsea's Petr Cech now he is firmly banished to the bench by Thibaut Courtois.

Viktor Kolar, Cech's agent, recently invited Arsenal and Liverpool to make a bid for the 32-year-old, reported by Darren Lewis of the Mirror:

"

It’s unlikely Petr will leave Chelsea in the January transfer window. The club and coach want to keep him to help win the title. I think Arsenal should have made an offer to him. I think Petr would be considering it. Liverpool need to strengthen their position in goal and they know Petr will be available in the summer.

"

Wenger has greater priorities than to offer the Czech Republic stopper an escape route from Stamford Bridge, despite his quality. Football pundit Janusz Michallik recently outlined exactly who Arsenal need to add in January during his chat with B/R UK's Ryan Bailey:

Arsenal face Queens Park Rangers, West Ham and Southampton during their Christmas schedule. The last two fixtures are away ties, both of which are destined to thoroughly test Wenger's side.

Results across the next three are likely to dictate exactly how much money is spent when January business begins.