5 Defensive Midfielders for Arsenal to Consider in January Transfer Window

Although much of the discussion of Arsenal's possible January transfer window activity has focused on their need for a new centre-back, the Gunners may also be targeting a holding midfielder.

Neither Mikel Arteta nor Mathieu Flamini have fully convinced at the base of the Arsenal midfield, and Arsene Wenger may seek to recruit a new signing to bring stability and defensive cover to his team.

In this piece, we run through five potential January targets who could shore up the Gunners' fragile midfield.

William Carvalho

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The £20 million man William Carvalho has been named by The Independent (h/t The Telegraph) as Arsene Wenger's top midfield target.

The powerfully built Portugal international would immediately give Arsenal greater physical presence in the middle of the park. He can play, too: Carvalho is an astute passer and has strong positional instincts.

His form for Sporting Lisbon has dipped this season, but a move to London could be just what is needed to revitalise him.

Morgan Schneiderlin

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Morgan Schneiderlin has been a key component in Southampton's remarkable 2014/15 campaign.

Although the Saints lost a host of stars in the summer, they fought hard to keep Schneiderlin. It's obvious why: He screens the back four superbly. Only Chelsea have a better defensive record than Ronald Koeman's side.

Southampton are unlikely to want to sell Schneiderlin halfway through a potentially historic campaign. However, last summer shows they can be tempted to sell if the money is right. It's no surprise that Bruce Archer of the Daily Star is reporting that Arsenal are readying a "monster bid."

Giannelli Imbula

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Young midfielder Giannelli Imbula seems like a perfect Gunners signings.

Imbula starred against Arsenal in the Champions League last season, and he has been a key part of Marseille's charge to the top of the Ligue 1 table. His rangy stride is reminiscent of Patrick Vieira, and he combines a combative spirit with impressive technical ability.

Alex Harris of the Daily Star has suggested Imbula could be a target for Chelsea as well as Arsenal. There is no doubt which of the two London sides needs him more.

Maxime Gonalons

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Lyon enforcer Maxime Gonalons is a long-term Arsenal target. The Gunners were most recently linked with him this summer, when Anthony Chapman of The Express reported that they intended to rival Napoli for his signature. As it was, Gonalons stayed at Lyon, where he has produced another consistent set of performances.

Gonalons is not a spectacular player, but he is reliable. He is a particularly intriguing option for Arsenal because he is able to play at centre-back if required. Recruiting the Frenchman could offer Arsene Wenger depth in two positions where they are currently lacking.

Yohan Cabaye

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Yohan Cabaye was a target for Arsenal in the summer of 2013, before they swooped to sign Mathieu Flamini on a free transfer. Now, having left Newcastle for Paris Saint-Germain, Anthony Chapman of The Express reports that Cabaye could be on Arsene Wenger's radar once more.

Although he does not have the physical presence Arsenal fans crave, he does seem to fit the "Mikel Arteta" mould. It's possible Wenger could seek to put Cabaye through a similar process to that which saw Arteta switch from wide playmaker to holding pivote.