Arsenal Transfer Prospect: Could West Ham Duo Be Perfect January Buy For Wenger?

The January Transfer Window is about to emerge in World Football and with it will come a whirlwind of rumours, speculation, shocks and disappointments.

One side that is never too far from transfer speculation all year round is Arsenal and come January, it should be no different for the North London giants.

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.

There has also been criticism heaved towards Arsenal defensive midfielder Alexandre Song. The 23 year old has been superb in the last few years but this season, the footballing World has witnessed an adventurous attacking side to the Cameroon international.

Song's new found hunger to attack has brought more goals, but it's seen the Arsenal defensive line placed under immense pressure when on the counter attack—the predominant way teams score against Arsenal.

However, the two problems at hand could be fixed with the signature of two players.

Whilst the Gunners sit second on the EPL table, London rivals West Ham are dead bottom with a mere two wins all season.

The Hammers are rumoured to be willing to sell key players in January and this could allow Wenger to pounce and pick up two players to help the Gunners trophy cause.

1. Scott Parker

The West Ham captain is a courageous, strong, smart and tenacious midfielder, whose work rate and effort have impressed all throughout Europe. A fearless leader and a very incisive playmaker, the 30 year old would be an ideal signing for Arsene Wenger.

Parker's signature would help instill much needed aggression and power into the Arsenal midfield, as well as ensuring Song can maintain his attacking prowess. The Englishman is able to play has a defensive midfield or as a playmaker and can handle all that is thrown in his direction.

The former Chelsea performer would also provide much needed leadership and experience to the Arsenal midfield alongside Champions League experience. Parker signature may ensure a crowded midfield but with rumour that Samba star Denilson is on the way out, Scott Parker could be the perfect January signing.

West Ham manager Avram Grant will not be keen to offload his courageous leader but with Wenger said to have over £40 million spending money, the Frenchman could easily entice one of of England's strongest midfielder to the Emirates.

2. Mattew Upson

The former Arsenal centre half has always been one of Wenger's regrets. The Frenchman offloaded the Englishman during the glory days in 2003 to Birmingham City and since then, as expected, Upson has become a strong and reliable defender.

Currently, he is one of the bright points in a struggling West Ham squad. Signing Upson would install aggression and power into the Arsenal central defence and help establish added leadership and depth.

With West Ham favourites for relegation this season, Arsenal could offer the 31 year old a contract too hard to refuse, as well as a healthy sum for Avram Grant.