Chamakh, Matuidi, Vieria: Does Wenger Need to Buy before the Transfer Deadline?

The transfer deadline ends in just hours, which means Arsenal does not have long if it wishes to introduce a quality player before the the summer transfer window is slammed shut.

Arsene Wenger has already lost the likes of Kolo Toure and Emmanuel Adebayor, but has managed to sign Belgium hard man Thomas Vermaelen, who has had a huge impact since coming to the Emirates from Ajax.

The summer transfer window has seen the Gunners receive $40 million in sales, which does leave a little bit of spending money for Wenger. But the question remains: does he need to sign anyone?

Despite the 2-1 loss to rival Manchester United this weekend, Arsenal has had an emphatic start to its 2009-'10 campaign. The Gunners won four straight matches, netting 15 goals and conceding just three before suffering a defeat at the hands of the champions.

Many felt Wenger needed to upgrade his defences, despite having already signed Vermaelen. But thanks to the strong start, the Arsenal defence has looked strong and solid with William Gallas and Thomas Vermaelen both performing extremely well in the middle of it.

Fulham's Brede Hangeland was rumoured to depart Craven Cottage and make his way to North London, but no deal ever materialized and Arsene insists Hangeland is not on his list.

The Gunners do not really need the strong Norway center half. If Vermaelen or Gallas do happen to fall into an injury curse, the likes of Mikeal Silvestre, Johan Djourou, or Philippe Senderos (if he stays) are all capable of stepping up and performing well.

The midfield was also highly criticized for its performances last season, but the first few matches of the season have seen a change of tune from the fans and critics.

The Arsenal midfield looks strong in attack and even stronger in defence. However, there would be no harm in bringing in Blaise Matuidi, Rafael Van Der Vaart, or even Patrick Vieira for under $10 million.

Rafeal Van Der Vaart would be a particularly good bid for the Gunners as he is an experienced, talented midfielder blessed with speed, great vision, and sensational passing.

Blaise Matuidi is also a young talent who could blossom into the next big thing under Wenger.

Patrick Vieira could also be a useful buy as he could mentor the younger midfielders.

Despite a very dominant forward pack, only one striker has scored this season for the Gunners, but they do boast a fair few assists.

Bordeaux's Marouane Chamakh was heavily linked with a move north, but the deal failed to go through as Wenger refused to bid the amount specified. However, rumour has it that the Morrocan could be back on Wenger's radar, with the Frenchmen set to bid a deal around $8.5 million before the close of the transfer window.

So does Arsene Wenger need to sign anyone or does he already boast a side capable of winning trophies this season?