Arsenal Transfers: 5 Unheralded Playmakers Arsene Wenger Could Consider

Arsene Wenger has confirmed the club are looking to reinforce their depleted midfield. One of the main priorities is adding some creative guile.

The departures of Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri have left the Gunners short of playmaking options and many big money alternatives have been mooted in recent days.

But given the club's recent spending history it seems unlikely that Eden Hazard or Wesley Sneijder will be arriving in North London any time soon.

Arsenal's recruitment policy likely means that more cost effective replacements should be expected. Arsenal have been linked with moves for less high profile midfielders during this transfer window.

These players may not have the reputation or star power of more marquee signings, but their captures would not overburden the Gunners' financial constraints.

Here are five unheralded midfield options who could provide Wenger's squad with the boost it needs.

5. Jose Manuel Jurado, Schalke 04

Jose Manuel Jurado would add technical flair and goal scoring potential to the Arsenal midfield. The Gunners were linked with a swoop for Jurado in late June.

Jurado is a technically gifted, intelligent player with a deft touch and excellent ball skills. His clever finishing and well-timed runs would help replace the scoring output of Fabregas and Nasri.

The Spaniard would need to prove he could handle the rigours of the Premier League. Adding another skillful but lightweight midfielder would commit Arsenal to retaining their current playing strategy, rather than being forced to adapt their game. 

Schalke are burdened by debt and may be forced into selling their star assets. Arsenal may be able to obtain the services of Jurado for a reasonable fee and could offer the player Champions League football and the opportunity to improve his chances of achieving international recognition.

4. Alan Dzagoev, CSKA Moscow

Crafty Russian ace Alan Dzagoev is an emerging talent who could be lured to Arsenal by the promise of Champions League football and the prospect of raising his international profile.

The 21-year-old CSKA Moscow starlet has already been linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium this summer.

Dzagoev is a cerebral player who is a precise and cunning passer. Dzagoev would fit seamlessly into the role of chief playmaker in Arsene Wenger's team.

The youngster has skillful footwork and is a clinical finisher. Dzagoev would develop well under the tutelage of Arsene Wenger.

3. Joe Cole, Liverpool

Arsenal were heavily linked with Joe Cole last summer and some rumours have resurfaced during this transfer window.

After a hugely disappointing debut campaign with Liverpool, Cole could be available this summer on a loan deal or even a free transfer, though there would be plenty of risks involved.

His troubling injury record and high wage demands are the main problems, as is Cole's tendency to be a showman on the pitch more often than he should.

But the former West Ham prodigy would offer a lot of attacking flair and provide the innovation Arsenal's tactical structure demands.

Arsene Wenger's fluid football philosophy could revitalise Cole and help him restore the potency in Arsenal's attack.

2. Mikel Arteta, Everton

Spanish schemer Mikel Arteta is another player who could be tempted by a move to the Emirates Stadium thanks the prospect of Champions league football and the chance to raise his international profile.

The Gunners have recently been linked with a move for the 29-year old former Barcelona youth academy graduate.

A vastly underrated talent, Arteta is a quick thinking, incisive passer who is an expert from dead ball situations.

He has plenty of experience coping with the robust style of English football and would fit seamlessly into Arsene Wenger's tactical design.

Arteta has struggled with injuries in recent seasons, but when healthy he is one of the most effective playmakers in the game.

Everton's fiscal hardships could encourage them to sell Arteta for a decent fee.

1. Lucho Gonzalez, Marseille

Marseille manager Didier Deschamps recently claimed that Arsenal were keen on securing a loan deal for resourceful Argentinian schemer Lucho Gonzalez.

At 30, Gonzalez may be too old to satisfy the usual recruitment requirements of Arsene Wenger, but he would bring plenty of valuable experience to Arsenal's youthful midfield.

Gonzalez is a combative and intelligent player, combining strength with playmaking craft. He possesses a great shot and would improve Arsenal's goal tally from midfield.

Gonzalez is a crisp, efficient passer and would have no trouble fitting into Wenger's tactical structure.

He would need time to adapt to the rugged environment of the Premier League, but his calmness and authority could prove crucial as the season progresses.

With Champions League qualification secured, Arsenal must now begin the business of reinforcing their ranks with quality players.

Arsene Wenger does not need to spend £30 million on a single player to achieve this aim, but the Gunners boss should instead attempt to use his funds to acquire some fresh playmaking talents for his midfield.