Arsenal Transfer Prospects: The 10 Best Defenders Wenger Can Target in January

Arsenal have endured a horrible and even traumatic start to 2011/2012. It was a slow, unimpressive summer in which Arsene Wenger bought little yet lost much, as Cesc Fabregas departed to Barcelona for £35 million and Samir Nasri transferred to Manchester City for £25 million.

A loss to Liverpool, an 8-2 humiliation to reigning Premier League champions Manchester United and a defeat to a struggling Blackburn have ensured criticism worldwide has emerged for the Gunners.

Like the last six seasons in which Arsenal have failed to secure silverware, one factor has remained constant, the poor defensive line. Particularly in the centre defence Arsenal, continue to evoke weakness and frailties, and fans have become frustrated to Wenger's inability to eradicate the problem.

Despite securing the service of highly-rated German giant Per Mertesacker for £10 million from Werder Bremen, the Gunners have struggled defensively this term with imposing Swiss Johan Djourou becoming more of a liability and Frenchman Laurent Koscielny struggling for consistency and occasionally enduring lapses in concentration.

Furthermore, defensive leader Thomas Vermaelen, who is considered one of the best defenders in the Premier League, has succumbed to an ankle injury following surgery last month and has a constant injury cloud. The Belgian amassed a mere five appearances last season due to an Achilles problem.

It is evident that Wenger may require reinforcements in January in order to ensure the North London giants to do not diminish into mid-table mediocrity. The Frenchman possesses adequate funds at his disposal to target high-quality defenders.

The only question for Wenger is will he search?

Nonetheless, Bleacher Report establishes the 10 best defenders Arsene Wenger can target in January.

10. Mamadou Sakho: Paris Saint-Germain

The Frenchman has long been touted as future Arsenal star following his thriving in the French Ligue 1 with giants Paris Saint-Germain for a number of seasons. Sakho made his debut for PSG in 2007 as a 17-year-old and has since amassed over 130 appearances and been named captain of the club.

A strong, tenacious and versatile defender, the 21-year-old is a natural leader and composed presence whose physical approach would greatly aid the frail Gunners. The appealing factor for Wenger is unlike Premier League defenders, Sakho, despite his ability, would not command a great fee, unlikely to exceed £11 million.

Furthermore, the France international would thrive in the heavily French atmosphere at the Emirates and would be a welcome addition for the Gunners.

9. Michaël Ciani: Bordeaux

The imposing Frenchman is another appealing prospect who would implement a physical stance alongside balance and aerial security while commanding a useful fee.

Ciani has proven to be a safe and reliable centre half with former French champions Bordeaux and has since become a France international.

A tall, tough defender, the 27-year-old evokes a typical Wenger signing and one that can enforce depth and power to the backline.

Wenger was rumoured to be heavily interested in the Frenchman during the recent summer and a £12 million bid may resurface come January.

8. Raul Albiol: Real Madrid CF

The versatile Spaniard is a hugely imposing and effective defender who can cover positions all across the midfield and in the defensive line.

The 26-year-old has been an impressive presence in the Spanish La Liga but has struggled for opportunities behind the Real Madrid defensive stalwart of Ricardo Carvalho and Pepe.

Rumoured to be eager for a move come January, Albiol would be a strong signing for the Gunners and one that has the calibre to heal Arsenal's defensive wounds.

The Spain international is particularly powerful in the air but also possesses great speed and control on the ball.

Liverpool and big spenders Malaga CF are interested in the former Valencia defender, but Wenger could be able to secure Albiol for £12 million.

7. Robert Huth: Stoke City

The German defender has become one of the strongest defenders in the Premier League since arriving at Stoke City in 2009. The 27-year-old has amassed over 90 appearances for the Potters and shown impressive aerial and tackling traits.

Huth is a graduate of the Chelsea youth academy and twice achieved the Premier League with the Blues but was taunted with injuries.

The Germany international is an aggressive, tenacious defender whose combative approach would greatly strengthen the Gunners' lacking physicality and aerial dominance.

However, Huth is likely to command a fee over £12 million, particularly with Stoke manager Tony Pulis, however the former Middlesbrough centre half does have the ability to immensely improve the Gunners.

6. Alex: Chelsea

The 29-year-old is considered one of the best respected and no-nonsense defenders in the Premier League, who has excelled at Chelsea in recent years. Alex is a powerful, efficient defender whose Premier League experience and leadership would be pivotal for the Gunners.

The Brazilian has amassed over 80 Premier League appearances for the Blues and become a regular for Brazil. Wenger tried tirelessly to secure the the Chelsea man in the summer and rumour has it the Frenchman will attempt again in January with an £8 million bid.

5. Brede Hangeland: Fulham

The experienced and calm Norwegian has emerged as a consistent, clean defender in the Premier League and as a huge presence in the Fulham squad.

The 30-year-old has amassed over 160 appearances in four seasons for the Cottagers, helping Fulham achieve European status and close to success.

Hangeland is a hugely intimidating and quick performer, and Wenger is a huge admirer of the Norway international and tried tirelessly in the summer of 2009 to secure Hangeland.

The former FC Copenhagen defender would instill experience, leadership and quality for the Gunners and could be acquired for under £15 million.

4. Jan Vertonghen: Ajax

The Belgian has long been heavily linked with the Gunners due to his efficient and dynamic defence for Dutch giants Ajax, the club where Wenger acquired Thomas Vermaelen.

The 24-year-old is a dominant and solid centre half who has thrived in recent seasons, capturing interest from Manchester City, Liverpool and Manchester United.

Vertonghen was integral for Ajax last season as they secured the Dutch Eredivisie, amassing 50 appearances and seven goals throughout the season.

A controlled and composed presence, the Belgium international has partnered Thomas Vermaelen at club and international level and possess similar defensive techniques.

Fans are eager for Vertonghen to join the Emirates, and it could materialize for £13 million.

3. Christopher Samba: Blackburn

The Blackburn giant looked destined to join the Gunners during the summer and last January, and one can be certain negotiations could recommence come the winter.

The 27-year-old is one of the most powerful and imposing defenders in the Premier League and has thrived since joining Rovers in 2007.

With over 145 Premier League appearances and as the current captain of Blackburn, Samba is an experienced leader who is one of the best option to improve Arsenal's aerial and set piece weakness. At 6-foot-4, the DR Congo international dominates the air but also boasts impressive speed.

Blackburn manager Steve Kean is believed to desire £17 million for his captain.

2. Giorgio Chiellini: Juventus

Considered one of the best defenders in the Italian Serie A, Giorgio Chiellini is an audacious yet acquirable option for Arsene Wenger who would greatly improve the Arsenal defensive line and become an emphatic signing for the Gunners.

An experienced, aggressive and effective defender, the 27-year-old has recorded over 160 appearances for Juventus and has achieved the Serie A Defender of the Year on three occasions. A tenacious and quick presence, Chiellini has long been touted to thrive in the Premier League.

It would loom as an expensive option for Wenger, set to cost close to £18 million but a signing that would appease the fans to a large extent.

1. Gary Cahill: Bolton

Arsene Wenger has targeted Bolton's Gary Cahill for a number of years now but a deal has yet to materialize despite the Frenchman's huge interest.

One of the most regarded and consistent defenders in England, the 25-year-old has been phenomenal for Bolton and has accumulated over 140 appearances in the Premier League.

A regular for England and a strong, powerful, precise presence, Wenger is destined to attempt to secure Cahill in January. Barcelona, Inter Milan, Tottenham and Liverpool have all declared interest in the former Aston Villa centre half and the Trotters' manager, Owen Coyle, will demand upward of £15 million.