Arsenal Transfer Prospects: 5 Players Wenger May Have To Sell In January

It has already been a somewhat disappointing start to the Premier League season for Arsenal. Three wins, two draws, and a shock loss to West Bromwich Albion has fans on edge, especially with the upcoming encounter with league leaders and rivals Chelsea. 

So far there has been a number of errors occurring for the Gunners, predominantly in the areas that manager Arsene Wenger vowed to strengthen in the summer transfer window. The goalkeeper and defensive ranks were set to be severely boosted thanks to an influx of spending money.

Although Wenger did manage to secure the services of French centre halves Laurent Koscienly from Lorient for £10 million and Sebastien Squillaci from Spanish giants Seville for £4.2 million. The Frenchman also refused to re-sign defenders Sol Campbell, William Gallas, Mikael Silvestre, and Philippe Senderos, who boasted a combined experience of over a thousand Premier League games.

But it was the goalkeeping department that was causing the most concern. Since the departure of Jens Lehmann in 2008, the Gunners have not boasted a quality presence between the goal posts, causing massive problems for Arsenal.

Keepers Manuel Almunia and Lukasz Fabianski, who were both promoted when Lehmann departed rather than Wenger opting to buy a quality replacement, have a tendency to make vital errors, do poorly off set pieces and corners, and play tremendously inconsistent.

The pair have both tried and failed to dominate the Arsenal back line, but both lack the caliber and quality to thrive and become the first-choice Arsenal keeper. Both endured dismal 2010/2011 campaigns, which prompted Wenger to admit buying a new keeper was severely necessary.

Despite a number of rumors, no such deals materialized and Wenger was force to begin the season with his shaky duo. In the January transfer window, Wenger will be eager to enforce quality into his lineup, should the Arsenal campaign already be in pieces.

There are thousands of options on who to buy, but who should the Frenchman sell?

Manuel Almunia

Unless the Spaniard begins performing strongly, it is unlikely fans will be keen to keep the 33-year old. With Wenger boasted of the promising young keepers who are desperate and growing increasingly frustrated for chances, Almunia may have to make way for either a new signing, or either Vito Mannone or Wojciech Szczensy.

Mannone and Szczensy have shown in their slim chances for Arsenal and on loan that they are talented and are blessed with the correct traits to become future Arsenal No. 1s.

But having constantly endured and witnessed the consistent errors from "experienced" keepers, they are hungry to prove their worth. If Almunia is still struggling come January, then one would expect to see him depart.

Lukasz Fabianski

If the Polish shot stopper continues with his error-filled ways, then fans and surely Wenger will become too frustrated and admit Fabianski was a rare mistake. The 25-year old does show traces of great promise but too often that limelight is overshadowed by the darkness of mistakes.

It is hard to see the former Legia Warsaw keeper ever becoming a dominant keeper and, unless Wenger is eager to offload him on loan, one cannot expect Fabianski to last much longer than January. 

Andrei Arshavin

The Russian magician has had a lacklustre start to the 2010/2011 season, despite boasting five goals. Too often has the 29-year old shown traits of laziness and disinterest besides being tremendously wasteful of chances.

There are a number of touted youngsters waiting patiently in the reserves who have shown their capability. With Arshavin seen as the predominant left winger, it is hard for the young guns to receive opportunities.

Wenger would be able to offload Arshavin for a handy sum that will progress toward signing a high-quality midfielder who could mitigate the eventual departure of Cesc Fabregas to Barcelona. 

Johan Djourou

The imposing Swiss overflowed with promise and potential before a serious leg injury made him absent for the whole of last season, barring the last match. In a similar twist to former Arsenal striker Eduardo, Djourou's injury has left the 23-year old lacking pace and control.

Wenger will be undoubtedly be eyeing an extra defender. Offloading Djourou for a healthy sum would enable the Frenchman do extend his price range.

Emmanuel Eboue 

The Ivorian can be a joy to watch due to his immense energy and lively smile, but it appears that too often Eboue is somewhat of a liability and is halting the progress of upcoming young starlets.

Often utilized as a winger, the 27-year old, predominantly a right back, is often overlooked to Bacary Sagna, although using Eboue and Sagna on a rotation, especially during the Champions League fixtures, is an option. There are also a number of talented right backs emerging from the academies.