Arsenal Transfer Prospects: 6 Defenders Wenger Can Target From The French League

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has vowed that no changes will be implemented into his youthful squad in the upcoming January Transfer Window, as the Frenchman looks to preserve his squad as the Gunners attempt to break their notorious five season trophy drought.

The North London giants have enjoyed a stellar first half of 2010/2011, despite the occasional slip up. The Gunners are second in the English Premier League table despite boasting five losses this season, three of which have come at home. Arsene Wenger's men also qualified on the final day for the UEFA Champions League round of 16 after conceding consecutive losses, and are in the semifinal of the Carling Cup.

Arsenal's attack has been the main instigator in the successful part of Arsenal's campaign. The introduction of imposing striker Marouane Chamakh, who arrived in the summer from French giant Girondins Bordeaux, has ensured a stronger forward line while the form of Samir Nasri and the emergence of Jack Wilshere has ensured a potent, flash attack.

Furthermore, Wenger has had large periods without star strikers Robin van Persie and Nicklas Bendtner. Speedster Theo Walcott has also drifted in and out of fitness while captain and midfield maestro Cesc Fabregas has also struggled to maintain playing time.

Unfortunately, Arsenal's defensive line hasn't been as enlightening as the attack. Defensive leader Thomas Vermaelen has been absent from first team football since August with a persistent Achilles injury and the Belgium's absence has told.

Vermaelen's injury has forced Arsene Wenger's two defensive summer signings, Sebastien Squillaci and Laurent Koscienly, to be the predominant centre halve pairing.  Koscienly, who arrived from French outfit Lorient FC for £10 million and Squillaci, who arrived from Spanish giants Seville for £3.4 million, have struggled to form a strong relationship as centre halves and often endure lapses in concentration and misunderstandings that lead to costly errors.

2010/2011 has also seen the return of imposing Swiss defender Johan Djourou. The 23 year old missed all but the final Premier League game of last season with a serious knee injury sustained in August 2009. Djourou has been superb in returning from a serious knee injury but is still lacking premium fitness and is unable to play on a consistent basis.

Vermaelen is not expected to return until January, and even then the former Ajax captain will require time to regain full fitness. So come January Wenger may have to go against his word, to the fans enjoyment, and spend his finances of over £40 million.

With Wenger, a native of France, the 61-year-old is a keen admirer of French footballers and French sides. Seven of Arsenal's first team French squad since joining the Gunners has signed a large number of quaility players from French sides.

The benefit and appeal of signing from the French Ligue One is that the league boasts quality players who suit Wenger's style. Predominantly, they are cheaper than the English and Spanish leagues as well as boasting natural intelligence.

So here are six defenders Wenger could sign from the French League.

6. Michaël Ciani-Girondins de Bordeaux

The Frenchman is a strong, quick defender who has been a consistent performer in the French League for a number of seasons now. Currently with Bordeaux, the 26 year old is blessed with imposing strength and a giant header.

Ciani is also a natural leader who boasts a similar playing style to Thomas Vermaelen but unlike the Belgium International, plays with a right foot. The French International would bring much needed power and presence to the Arsenal back line and can also provide a threatening figure off set pieces.

Ranging from around £8-12 million, Ciani is well within Wenger's price range and reach.

5. Cédric Mongongou-AS Monaco

A young, promising defender who has gained sufficient experience from a young age while with Monaco. Mongongou is a smart, strong defender with impressive control and a powerful tackle.

Having made his debut as an 18-year-old in 2007, the 21-year-old shined last season making 33 appearances for the Red and Whites. Destined for a glistening career, the DR Congo International would thrive under the guidance of Wenger and is unlikely to cost more than £10 million.

4. Adil Rami-OSC Lille

Rami is a strong, tenacious defender with an imposing figure and great strength. For a number of seasons now the Frenchman has been a consistent presence in the Lille back line which has prompted a number of big name clubs including Spanish giant Valencia, and Liverpool to take a great interest in the 6'3" centre half.

The 24-year-old, who recently became a French International, is a typical Wenger signing. French, strong, intelligent and an able ball player. Lille regards their defender highly but are said to be willing to sell Rami in January.

Wenger has sufficient funds to target the former Frejus defender, who would surely help aid Arsenal's defensive woes. Blessed with a big frame that would benefit the Gunners from set pieces, as well as an impressive pace and admirable work rate, Adil Rami could be the saviour Arsenal needs.

3. Souleymane Diawara- Olympique Marseille

Although Diawara may be 31, there is no denying the Senegalese centre half is a dominant defender. Blessed with great strength and size, Wenger has been a fan of the former Charlton Atheltic defender for a number of years.

The Marseille defender has been a consistent performer in the French League, as well as for Senegal, for a number of years now and many believe the 31-year-old has the ability to thrive in the Premier League. Reports suggest that Wenger was attempting to lure the Senegal dynamo to the Emirates last season but a deal failed to materialize.

Nonetheless, that could change come January. Diawara is said to be worth around £10 million which is the same amount Wenger bought Laurent Koscienly from Lorient FC. Diawara is experienced and a native French speaker who could be the answer to the Gunners defensive woes.

2.Stéphane Mbia-Olympique Marseille

A versatile, powerful defender who can play as a central defender or a defensive midfielder. Mbia was highly linked with a move to the Gunners in the summer but similar to his Marseille teammate Diawara, a deal failed to materialize.

The Cameroon International is a highly regarded player with huge strength and size. Blessed with a superb passing range and a tenacious playing style, many liken the 24- year-old to Yaya Toure and William Gallas.

Mbia was superb last season alongside Diawara as Marseille won the French Ligue. The former Rennes defender is a typical Arsenal signing for Wenger but could be pricey for Wenger at around £11-15 million.

1. Mamadou Sakho-Paris Saint-Germain

A quality defender who has been superb from a young age for PSG. The 20-year-old has a huge future and a number of big name clubs have expressed interest in the young French International.

Sakho is a natural leader who is well built and powerful as well as confident in the air and on the ball. Wenger has expressed his desire to sign the PSG centre half and with Arsenal's defensive woes currently at hand, there looms no better option then Mamadou Sahko.

Destined to attract around £15 million for Wenger, this is one defender Wenger will be willing to pay for.