Arsenal Transfer Prospects: Can African Duo Save Wenger in January?

Arsene Wenger vowed that despite struggling to find consistency this season, the Frenchman will not implement changes into his squad come the upcoming January transfer window.

The Gunners sit in a tidy position of second on the English Premier League table and boast one of the best away records in the competition.

With 10 wins, two draws and five losses, the Gunners are a mere two points behind leaders Manchester United, but Sir Alex Ferguson's men have a game in hand. The Gunners are also the only big name side left in the League Cup.

The North London giants encounter Ipswich Town in the semi finals early next year. 

A side that sits in second place and still remains in all of their major tournaments isn't a bad feat, but the Arsenal faithful insist on Wenger to secure the services of quality players to help break the Gunners notorious five year trophy drought.

The defence has arguably been the glaring falter in Arsenal's consistency demise; granted, injuries have played their part. 

Defensive leader Thomas Vermaelen has been absent with a extremely persistent Achilles injury; the Belgium has not featured for the Gunners since August, forcing Wenger's summer signings Sebastien Squillaci and Laurent Koscienly to don the main central defensive roles.

The French pair are both strong defenders, but have been guilty of lack of communication and constant misunderstandings.

Imposing Swiss Johan Djourou has been strong at centre half, but fitness issues have forced the 23 year old to only feature on a weekly basis. The Switzerland international suffered a serious knee injury and missed all but the last game of the 2009/2010 season.

Arsenal have also been guilty of failing to finish and kill off games. The Gunners failure to become a clinical attacking side has seen shock losses to outfits that Wenger's men have dominated yet failed to secure victory.

If Arsene Wenger was able to acquire two players that would help aid the two glaring problems currently materializing for the Gunners, then their plan to conquer the EPL and UEFA Champions League, would surely become somewhat easier.

Two players that look to have the traits to become strong Arsenal performers are African duo Adel Taarabt and Christopher Samba. Could the pair help save Wenger and defeat the ongoing trophy conundrum?

1. Adel Taarabt-Queens Park Rangers

The QPR midfielder has been a sensastion for the Hoops since joining on loan in 2009.

Taarabt is a former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder, Arsenal arch rivals, but the Moroccan shares a strong relationship with Arsenal sharpshooter Marouane Chamakh. The pair are leaders in the Moroccan national team and the 21 year old has expressed his desire to return to the Premier League and play alongside Chamakh.

The former Lens dynamo is blessed with great speed, strength, skill and a ferocious shot. Capable of fulfilling roles all across the midfield and as a winger and second striker, Taarabt would be a great adition to the Arsenal squad.

The Moroccan's presence would enable greater depth in the Arsenal midfield and would act as the eventual replacement for the ageing Tomas Rosicky.

Taarabt is held in the highest regard by QPR and this season was given the captain armband. Undoubtedly, the Championship outfit would demand a large sum, ranging from £8-14 million. But fortunately, Wenger has the benefit of money to spend.

Taarabt's flair and balance has ensured the Scottish based side lead the Npower Championship table, but the 21 year old epitomize the Arsenal Wenger playing style of speed, sharp passing and control. Taarabt also hold close relationships with Arsenal midfielder Abou Diaby and it is understood Arsenal scouts held a close eye on the Moroccan before he eventually signed with Tottenham.

2. Christopher Samba-Blackburn

Blackburn currently sit in 12th spot on the EPL table and recently sacked manager Sam Allardyce after a two year spell.

Things aren't looking bright for the Rovers and come January, don't be surprised to see a number of players leaving the Lancashire club.

One player who would certainly help aid Arsenal's current defensive woes is Congolese centre half Christopher Samba. The Blackburn club captain is a huge, powerful, tenacious defender who boast sublime strength and impressive control.

The 26 year old is a natural leader who would help instill power and height into the Arsenal back-line. With a manager yet to be named at Blackburn, players are rumoured to be furious at Allardyce's shock sacking and some are reported to be keen to depart Ewood park.

Wenger can offer Samba a hugely appealing escape route to the Emirates, where the DR Congo captain would be able to play consistent football, compete for premium trophies and play Champions League football.

Samba would cost the Gunners around £8-11 million which is in the same region as what Wenger payed for Thomas Vermaelen and Laurent Koscienly.

So is this African duo just what Wenger needs in January?