Arsenal Transfer Prospects: Three £15 Million and Under January Signings

They say the best way to dominate world football is to have the most money, an interesting yet insightful point of view on the current world footballing status. The advantage of extravagant funds enables a side to dominate a transfer market, luring the world's most renowned and talented players.

Manchester City and Chelsea are two perfect examples. Thanks to added funds from shareholders, both have been able to climb up the food chain of Europe's elite teams and boast two of the strongest sides in England and possibly Europe.

Their immense funds ensure that come transfer windows, players and the media quickly turn their attention to their movements. One side that has somewhat shunned the thought of "money wins football" is Arsenal.

This claim is largely thanks to long-serving manager Arsene Wenger, who has somewhat proven one can build a world-class, dominating team without extravagant spending, but hard work and patience instead. Transfer windows are often boring and infuriating for the Arsenal faithful, as despite their longing for big name signing, Wenger rarely spends more than £15 million, but opts to utilize unknown talents who slowly become world-renowned figures.

Come January should be no different, as Wenger will look to secure the signing of quality, yet affordable talent regardless of Arsenal position in the English Premier League. This being the case here are three players Wenger can prosper over as they should all be valued under £15 million.

1. Jan Vertonghen-Ajax

The highly-touted Belgium centre half has been a consistent, impressive performer in the Dutch Eredivise, and many expect a move to a higher league in the coming months. Many clubs are vying for the 23-year-old's signature with Arsenal rumoured to be frontrunners.

Currently, Arsenal defence could benefit from an extra defender especially one of Vertonghen's calibre. Injuries and inexperience have been the prime culprits for Arsenal's lacklustre current form, but the signing of the Belgium international in January could easily cure any ongoing defensive issues.

Vertonghen is unlikely to attract a huge fee with the highest probable price around £13 million. Furthermore the presence of defensive leader Thomas Vermaelen would be a huge attraction for Vertonghen because of a close friendship between the duo. Both played side-by-side at Ajax and for Belgium, which can only be a bright sign for Wenger.

2. Romelo Lukaku-Anderlecht

The 17-year-old wonderkid is hailed as the next huge thing in world football. Lukaku is a immensely powerful and quick striker who is already been prolific in for Anderlecht's reserve and youth sides, despite being many years younger than opponents and teammates.

The son of former professional footballer Roger Lukaku has already been impressive for Belgium giants Anderlecht since making his debut as a 16-year-old last season. The Belgium national is undoubtedly going to be a fierce force in the coming years, and if Wenger can sign Lukaku and further his development, then the Gunners will boast a formidable attack.

Anderlecht are destined to demand a hefty sum, but due to his age, it is unlikely to go higher than £12 million, making it appealing for Wenger.

3. Mark Schwarzer-Fulham

The ongoing keeper conundrum has continued through to 2010-11, largely thanks to Wenger's negligence and inability to sign a quality keeper in the summer. Goalkeepers Manuel Almunia and Lukasz Fabianski have continued their worrying ways, already making deja vu-like errors.

Come January, however, Wenger will be gifted an opportunity to resurrect his public keeping issues, and many expect Fulham shot stopper Mark Schwarzer to arrive at the Emirates. The Australian was largely rumoured with a move to the Gunner during the summer, but a deal failed to materialize.

However, Schwarzer has expressed his displeasure at not being able to complete a move north and has also stated his desire to sign in January. Schwarzer is the ideal signing, as it enables Manuel Almunia to depart North London whilst Lukasz Fabianski endures at least two loan spells.

The Australian vice captain can then stabalize the goal, whilst boom youngsters Vito Mannone and Wojciech Szczensy can be mentored greatly from Schwarzer and continue their rapid development before competing for the No. 1 jersey in two or three years when Schwarzer departs.

Furthermore, along with the large abundance of experience and talent the former Middlesbrough shot stopper brings to the Gunners XI, Schwarzer will cost just over £5 million.

The three signings would be cheap enough for Wenger's approval and also loom as tremendously effective as they cover the necessary conditions.