Wenger and Arsenal Look to Dip Into EPL Transfer Market

With the holiday season fast approaching, it’s widely believed that Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is putting together a sizeable wish list—though he’ll be waiting for the post-Christmas mega-sales before buying any gifts for himself and Arsenal fans.

Having seen several key players ruled out through injury during a successful first half of the campaign—most notably talisman Cesc Fabregas and striker Robin Van Persie, who has yet to return to from an early-October knee injury—and with the African Cup of Nations looming, the Frenchman is almost certain to dip into the January transfer market.

And with the announcement of £70 war chest of earlier in the year, he certainly has the cash to do so.

Of particular need for the North Londoners are a tested striker and cover in central defense.

Emmanuel Adebayor will be representing his country in the ACN, and at this point Theo Walcott, Jonathan Bendtner and Eduardo da Silva look less than capable of producing goals with the consistency that the Gunners will need to sustain a title challenge.

Some have mentioned David Trezuguet—a man associated with a move to Arsenal in the past—as a possible target. But it's doubtful that Juventus will allow Serie A's leading scorer to leave at this point.

Another name being bandied about is Bolton's Nicholas Anelka. Wenger could have pulled the trigger on that deal earlier this year, so that too seems unlikely now.

A more probable scenario (if history is any indication) would see the Professor bringing in a young player such as Tresor Mputu, who has been strongly linked with a move to Arsenal. The Gunner boss, however, has been quoted as saying the 20-year-old Congolese striker would be a long term project.

Of course, there's still Obafemi Martins at Newcastle. Speculation was rife during the summer that he would be heading to the Emirates. And though the deal never materialized, there is still that tantalizing get-out clause in his contract.

In the back, Kolo Toure and Emmanuel Eboue will be called away on international duty. One can be certain Wenger that does not relish the centre back pairing of Gilberto Silva and Phillipe Senderos in a reserve match—much less a crunch FA Cup tie.

That being the case, Villarreal defender Martin Caceres has said that Arsenal is keen for his signature. And one can assume it’s a done deal, as his Wikipedia page backs up such a claim.

Also look for Johan Djourou to make his way back to the Emirates from his loan spell at Birmingham in January. The 20-year-old Ivorian (with whom I share a birthday) has had an up-and-down season for the Blues, but Arsenal will need the bodies to navigate the upcoming labyrinth of fixtures.

With the Gunner’s lead in the Premiership down to just a point after defeat at Middlesbrough, Wenger surely will opt for augmenting his squad. Given the dubious defensive effort turned in by Arsenal at the Riverside, perhaps the Frenchman will see if Boro boss Gareth Southgate fancies a return to the pitch.