Arsenal Transfer News: Hector Moreno Scouted, Latest Gunners Rumours

Arsenal look set to bring in defensive reinforcements in the January transfer window and are reportedly targeting Espanyol's Hector Moreno in an attempt to bolster their weak back line.

Simon Jones in the Daily Mail reports that Gunners scout Brian McDermott recently saw Moreno play, indicating Arsenal's interest in the Mexican centre-back.

The 26-year-old starred for Mexico at the summer's World Cup before being sidelined with a broken leg, an injury which has seen him sit out much of the La Liga term so far.

However, he is on his way back to full fitness and, as Spanish football writer David Cartlidge notes, Moreno's quality is such that he would be a terrific buy for Arsene Wenger:

Arsenal's defence has been inconsistent and often ill-disciplined so far this season and new recruits are needed as they lack depth at the back.

Moreno, a veteran of more than 50 international appearances, would bring a coolness to the Arsenal setup which could be key as the Gunners go in search of a top-four Premier League finish in the second half of the season.

One player who may well be on his way out of the Emirates is Joel Campbell, who is—most recently—being widely tipped to join Olympiakos having failed to break into the Arsenal first team, per 101 Great Goals: 

The Costa Rican forward impressed at the World Cup but has failed to make any kind of impact in the Premier League, handed only four substitute appearances—for a total of 39 minutes—in the English top flight, per WhoScored. 

Campbell has been linked with a move to a variety of European clubs, including Real Sociedad and Villareal, per Marca.

While the latest reports suggest Campbell may end up in Greece, any move is likely to only be a temporary loan as Wenger has expressed his desire to keep the 22-year-old at Arsenal, per football writer Miguel Delaney:

Arsenal currently lie fifth in the Premier League and continue to be a long way from being genuine title contenders, and new signings are likely needed to take them to such a level, with B/R UK's James McNicholas casting his eye over some potential January recruits below:

While there is definite quality in Arsenal's current group of players—who are often exasperatingly inconsistent—the Gunners are definitely short at the back and Moreno is a good target for Wenger.

Arsenal are not going to become title contenders overnight, but astute buys in January could see them easily to another top-four finish and potential overall improvement in the second half of the season.