Arsenal Transfer News: William Carvalho Bid Readied, Latest Gunners Rumours

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is reportedly weighing up a £25 million move for Sporting Lisbon powerhouse William Carvalho.

A bid is "being considered" for the physical defensive midfielder, according to Jack De Menezes of The Independent.

Wenger is in need of a holding presence in the centre who can both plug gaps ahead of Arsenal's defence and spray the ball forward effectively. Carvalho's play has become complacent this season in Portugal, but a change of scenery and challenge could kick him back into life.

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Arsenal continue to be linked with Saint-Etienne centre-back Loic Perrin, but the 29-year-old recently admitted he doesn't know whether a transfer will go ahead, per Ed Malyon of the Daily Mirror: "Frankly I don’t know anything. There are always rumours, even though Arsenal have inquired and have contacted my agent. But Saint Etienne still haven’t been (contacted), and that’s the most important thing. Full stop."

Perrin also said "when you talk about Arsenal, you're not talking about any old club," highlighting his obvious desire to make the leap to the Emirates. Wenger may be forced to choose between Perrin and West Ham United's Winston Reid, who can leave on a free when his contract expires at the end of the season.

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Hammers boss Sam Allardyce believes a stint in Europe "might persuade" Reid to remain in claret and blue next season, as reported by Sam Cunningham of the Mail Online. Reid has developed into an excellent Premier League-standard centre-back over the last couple of years and possesses the leadership skills to tighten an Arsenal defence who are currently dependent on Laurent Koscielny.

Former Gunners boss George Graham believes Wenger must make investments right down the middle, per talkSPORT's Alan Brazil Sports Breakfast show (h/t Bruce Archer of the Daily Star): "They need a new goalkeeper, a centre-half and a defensive midfielder."

Arsenal specialist James McNicholas recently discussed the Gunners' potential January targets with B/R UK's Ryan Bailey:

Wenger's team are currently one point behind fourth-place Manchester United. Arsenal face away trips to Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur in their next three Premier League matches, fixtures which will play a huge part in determining the squad's ultimate possibilities this season.

The side has often appeared a couple of world-class players short of making a legitimate title challenge. Carvalho and Reid would be solid investments at this point in time, but one has to consider whether Perrin offers enough as a short-term solution to the team's defensive problems.

Cash undoubtedly needs to be spent if Arsenal are to better their almost patented fourth-place finish, a standing which would likely bring Wenger's future under the microscope once more.