Arsenal Transfer Rumours: Five Midfielders Linked with the Gunners

Arsenal's transfer window has not been so far something to talk about. Except for the signing of young Carl Jenkinson, no other signing (big or small) has been made by Arsene Wenger.

Barcelona have continued their perennial chase of Fabregas by making bids for him. Reports claim that a £31 million bid made by Barca was turned down by the Gunners, who value Fabregas at around £45-50 million.

With Fabregas's future at the Emirates in doubt, and Nasri still not signing a contract with Arsenal, Wenger will be forced to look for midfielders who can act as good replacements for Nasri and Fabregas.

Here are some midfielders who have been linked with a move to the Emirates.

Adel Taarabt: Queens Park Rangers

Adel Taarabt, QPR's midfielder, has claimed that Arsenal and Chelsea have contacted him and are interested in him.

Taarabt, 22 years old, moved to QPR after he was unable to break into the first team of Spurs. Initially he moved on loan,when he made 7 appearances and scored 1 goal. He made a permanent move to QPR in 2010, after which he started playing all league matches.

In his second season, he made 44 appearances and scored 7 goals while in his third season, he made 44 appearances and scored 19 goals!

19 goals for a midfielder is a commendable achievement but he has scored that in the Championship and it is to be seen if he can replicate his form in the Premier League.

He has been set a price tag of around £10 million. Taarabt has also said that his move to Arsenal will depend on whether Fabregas is leaving the Emirates or not. He seems to consider himself as Fabregas's replacement, which is quite arrogant.

It is to be seen whether Wenger is interested in the Moroccan midfielder.

Joey Barton: Newcastle United

Joey Barton (on the final year of his contract) was not offered a new contract by the Magpies and hence will leave on a free transfer next season.

Rumours said that Arsene Wenger, looking for talent and experience in the transfer market, was interested in Barton and bid for him.

According to ESPNSTAR.com, the Magpies have not received any bids for Joey Barton yet.

It is to be seen whether Wenger will bid for Newcastle's bad boy, who was responsible for the Gunners' 4-4 draw at St. James Park against Newcastle.

Wenger should keep in mind the dressing-room fights that may arise between Barton and Diaby!

Jose Manuel Jurado: FC Schalke 04

Jose Manuel Jurado has been in Wenger's radar, according to The Sun.

Able to play as an attacking midfielder or on the left wing, he can also be placed "in the hole." He possesses good playmaking and dribbling skills and has a very effective shot off the dribble. 

Jurado played for both major teams in Madrid during his career, Real and Atlético, albeit with no success for the former.

His first season with Schalke has got the best of him so far, where he scored nine goals and further assisted six. He has been considered as one of the key players for Schalke's run in the Champions League last season.

Though he may not be the ideal replacement for Fabregas, Wenger may buy him as he can be used as both a midfielder and a winger.

Scott Parker: West Ham United

Scott Parker has hinted that he is likely to move in order to play at the highest level. The hard-tackling midfielder has reportedly attracted the interest of Arsenal, Liverpool and Tottenham and could be signed by one of these clubs.

Though Parker is currently 30 years old, he was the best player for West Ham, and also won the Football Writers Award for the 2010-11 season.

Since Parker can play as a defensive midfielder, he can act as a good backup for Alex Song. He can provide competition to Song and thus Wenger can get the best from both the defensive midfielders.

Parker is 30, so one may think he is too old to be a good signing. But Wenger will need Parker's Premier League experience and knows he is a capable leader.

Parker will cost Arsenal around £8 million. Will Wenger be interested in signing him?

To know about Scott Parker, read the article Analyzing the Pros and Cons of Signing Scott Parker by Vijay Murali.

Mahamadou Diarra: AS Monaco

According to eyefootball.com, Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger may make a shock move for former Real Madrid midfielder Mahamadou Diarra, after his contract with relegated club Monaco expired.

Arsene Wenger has been on the lookout for a defensive midfielder in this transfer window. As Diarra is a free agent, Wenger may be attracted to sign him.