Arsenal Transfer News: Moves That Can Give Gunners the Edge in Top 4 Race

Arsenal's customary top-four challenge is under serious threat this season thanks to surprise-package Southampton and the resurgence of Manchester United. 

However, the Gunners are rumoured to be targeting several players who can help secure a UEFA Champions League spot once again.

Due to injuries and a lack of transfer activity in recent years, defenders and holding midfielders should be high on Arsene Wenger's priorities.

Lying 13 points behind leaders Chelsea, a title bid is once again beyond the reach of Arsene Wenger's charges.

However, Arsenal boast a wealth of world-class attacking and creative talent. If they can secure the following players, their top-four chances—and perhaps title chances in coming years—will receive a huge boost.

Ilkay Gundogan

Jamie Sanderson of Metro.co.uk reports that Arsenal are closing in on a deal for Gundogan after making a £15.6 million offer.

The Borussia Dortmund star would be a big step in the right direction for the Gunners. The midfielder may not be the Patrick Vieira-style presence they need, but he would fit nicely into Wenger's team.

Since the departure of Gilberto Silva in 2008, Wenger has preferred to use more technical players in the holding role, such as Mikel Arteta.

Gundogan, 24, fits that bill perfectly and is a big upgrade on the 32-year-old Spaniard.

The German featured only once in the Bundesliga last year due to injury but in the 2012/13 season managed a passing accuracy of 86 percent (h/t Squawka) and won 51 tackles in 26 starts.

He also completed 58 take-ons, the most of any Dortmund player that season.

Lars Baron/Getty Images

Gundogan has 18 months remaining on his contract and has refused to sign a new deal with the club, according to Jamie Anderson of the Express.

After losing Robert Lewandowski on a free transfer last summer, Dortmund will be more willing to accept big-money offers.

Arsenal need to snap up the creative midfielder while they have the chance, and it seems like there's a strong possibility that they might.

William Carvalho

Carvalho is another alternative to balancing Wenger's team.

Able to play at centre-back or defensive midfield, the Sporting Lisbon star could walk into Arsenal's team, even if everyone was fit.

The versatile 22-year-old has youth on his side and carries the strong presence the Gunners sorely need.

As the video below demonstrates, Carvalho is highly effective in defensive midfield. The Portuguese international uses his strength to win and keep possession of the ball (4:03, 5:02) and is excellent at making interceptions to break up attacking play (0:44, 1:05).

As with Gundogan, what will also appeal to Wenger is Carvalho's ability to play the ball forward accurately to his team-mates (1:14, 3:24, 4:28).

According to John Cross of the Mirror (via Record), Arsenal target Carvalho said: "My dream is to play in England."

Arsenal and the Premier League would, of course, represent a big step up from Sporting, so it would not be surprising if Carvalho were to make the switch to the Emirates, even in January.

Carvalho would likely cost upwards of £20 million, but unless Wenger can find a hidden gem, he will need to pay this for any highly rated defensive midfielder in today's market. 

Loic Perrin

At 29, Perrin would represent a fairly short-term fix for Arsenal's defensive woes but a competent one.

Although primarily a centre-back, Perrin is capable of filling in at right-back or holding midfield, a useful trait given Arsenal's injury crisis.

The Frenchman is less high profile than Carvalho and Gundogan, but he would provide a strong presence at the back and add balance to Arsenal's attack-heavy side.

As Saint-Etienne captain, Perrin has the responsibilities of a leader. Arsenal's team is certainly devoid of leadership on the field, so this would be an important trait to inject into the side as they fight for a heavily contested Champions League place.

According to Squawka, Perrin averages 12 defensive actions per game and has won 26 of 38 attempted tackles and 69 percent of his headed duels.

Laurent Cipriani/Associated Press

What Wenger will also appreciate is Perrin's ability to play the ball. The defender has a pass completion of 88 percent this season. Perrin isn't just a no-nonsense centre-back who hoofs it into row z.

Simon Jones of the Daily Mail reveals that Perrin admits to have been contacted by Arsenal "personally."

Daniel Anwar of Squawka reports (via Le10 Sport) that Arsenal have offered the Frenchman a two-year deal at the Emirates.

With Wenger specifically targeting defensive reinforcements in January, Perrin's signature would seem both a logical and a likely move.

Arsenal face a great deal of competition this year for a Champions League spot. United have lost only once in their last 10, and Southampton continue to defy pre-season expectation and have beaten both the Gunners and the Red Devils in recent weeks.

Moreover, the only top teams Saints have left to play are Manchester City and Chelsea, so their fixtures for the remainder of the season are largely winnable. 

These signings would restore a balance to Arsenal that has been lacking for years and would ensure quality throughout their first team. This could give them the edge over United, who are themselves vulnerable defensively, and Southampton, who lack the world-class talent of the likes of Alexis Sanchez.

Whether Arsenal will achieve this edge is now down to Wenger and his chequebook.