Arsenal Transfer News: Mats Hummels Verdict Looms, Latest Moussa Sissoko Rumours

Arsene Wenger has apparently seen all the defensive blunders he can stomach. The Arsenal boss is so determined to fix things at the back he's waiting to see if Mats Hummels decides to move to the Premier League this winter.

Wenger also appears intent on persuading Newcastle United's gifted midfield powerhouse Moussa Sissoko to join the Gunners, but it's Hummels who'll likely be the dream get for many Arsenal fans.

The classy Borussia Dortmund centre-back is apparently set to leave Germany this month, per Daily Star reporter Bruce Archer. The report also indicates Hummels wants to join a Premier League side, but he hasn't decided between Arsenal and Manchester United.

If there's even a chance of Hummels being available, Wenger should seize it. He's endured too many lapses at the back so far this season.

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The latest came in the Gunners' 2-0 defeat to Southampton. The Frenchman lamented the comedy of errors that preceded both Saints goals, per Arsenal.com writer Rob Kelly: "It is not the first time it has happened. We did not defend well enough in the final third, and we paid a heavy price for it today. I am disappointed because there was at least a draw in the game, and if we were better defensively we could have won it."

Wenger's concerns about his defence are well-founded. Through 20 league games this season, the Gunners have conceded a whopping 25 goals, per PremierLeague.com.

Wenger knows he needs new recruits at the heart of his defence. That's something B/R's Janusz Michallik has identified as a priority during this window:

In terms of star power and talent, Wenger won't find a better option than Hummels. The 26-year-old combines aerial dominance with a natural comfort in possession.

The latter quality makes Hummels a dream fit for the brand of stylish and forward-thinking football Wenger endorses. B/R analyst Sam Tighe has praised Hummels' aptitude as a deep-lying playmaker:

Metro writer Oli Price-Bates believes Hummels is the "recognisable household name" Wenger can justify paying big money for. There's some sense to the logic, even if it would mean breaking up the partnership between Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny.

Wenger believes in that pairing, but the duo aren't without their problems. Mertesacker is overworked, while Koscielny has become increasingly brittle.

Signing a player like Hummels would provide a new bedrock for the Arsenal defence. It would also create optimism among a disgruntled fanbase.

Any deal for Sissoko wouldn't be met with the same fanfare; however, it could be just as significant.

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The French colossus is exactly the kind of midfield player Arsenal lack. He has physical power, quickness and drive.

Those qualities are prompting Wenger to start talks to sign the 25-year-old, per French publication L'Equipe (h/t talkSPORT). But the report indicates that the Magpies, keenly aware of Sissoko's talents, want £15 million.

Frankly, Wenger shouldn't think twice. That's a price more than worth paying to add some athletic dynamism alongside Arsenal's legion of slight but skilled playmakers in the middle.

This isn't the first time Arsenal have been credited with interest in Sissoko. Back in December, Martin Hardy of The Sunday Times (subscription required) claimed Wenger was considering a £15 million bid.

Sissoko then appeared to quash any hope of a deal by stating his happiness with life at Newcastle, per Daily Mirror writer Ed Malyon. But if there's still a chance of bringing Sissoko to the Emirates Stadium this month, Wenger must take it.

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It's the best way to balance a key area of the squad with a player boasting Premier League experience and eligibility for the UEFA Champions League last 16.

Acquiring an accomplished centre-back alongside a strong and active midfielder would conclude the perfect January transfer window for the Gunners. Wenger would address the two glaring weaknesses of his current squad and position the team for a revival during the season's second half.