Arsenal Transfer Rumours: Christopher Samba To Be Signed By Wenger in January

As the January transfer window is only a few short days away, numerous rumours are beginning to materialize and take shape. Every day brings more rumours and possible moves that will occur.

One rumour that has emerged is that Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is set to target highly rated Blackburn centre half Christopher Samba.

The Gunners have enjoyed a stellar start to the 2010/2011 campaign, despite the odd slip up. Wenger's men are second in the Premier League table and only two points behind with a game more than leaders Manchester United; Arsenal also qualified for the round of 16 in the UEFA Champions League and reached the semi-finals of the Carling Cup, where the Gunners will encounter Ipswich in January.

The Gunners predominant success has been their potent attack. The introduction of imposing striker Marouane Chamakh, who arrived in the summer from French giant Girondins Bordeaux has ensured a stronger forward line, whilst the form of Samir Nasri and the emergence of Jack Wilshere have also boosted the Gunners attacking credentials.

However, the Arsenal defensive line has not had quite the same effect as the forwards. A persistent achilles injury has kept defensive leader Thomas Vermaelen absent since August and the Belgium's absence has had an immense effect in the centre of defence.

Vermaelen's injury has forced Arsene Wenger's two defensive summer signings, Sebastien Squillaci and Laurent Koscienly, to be the usual 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 that 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.

This has prompted Wenger to target centre halves in order to strengthen the defensive line and improve depth.

The glaring error in the central defence has been the lack of power and physicality. Vermaelen boasts those traits, so it's easy to see why Wenger has targeted Christopher Samba. Blackburn currently sit in 12th spot on the EPL table and recently sacked manager Sam Allardyce after a two year spell.

The Blackburn club captain is a huge, powerful, tenacious defender who boasts 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.

The powerful defender has expressed his desire to play for Arsenal and it's becoming increasingly likely a deal may materialize in January.