Arsenal Transfer Window: 4 Players Who the Gunners Should Target in January

The EPL season is fully underway, and teams are beginning to take notice of the directions their respective squads are heading.

For Arsenal, it is no secret which direction their season has been going thus far.

The North London outfit has had a surprisingly atrocious start to their campaign. They have dropped crucial matches, have struggled to gain back fan support and, more importantly, have watched key players walk out of the Emirates for new endeavors.

If Arsene Wenger is to salvage anything from this nightmarish season, action must be taken when the January transfer window opens up. The Gunners’ weaknesses are in plain sight, and there are limited options for Wenger’s side.

Here is a list of four players who Arsenal should target come January.

1. Yann M’Vila

The young French defensive midfielder was linked with the Gunners all summer long, but Wenger couldn’t pull the trigger.

And with the defensive state Arsenal is currently in, January might just be the time for Wenger to drop the big bucks.

A club record bid was denied by M’Vila’s club, Rennes, over the past summer, and Arsenal should not be timid in upping their offer for the Frenchman. Although he is only 21 years old, M’Vila has plenty of experience playing top-flight football and can bring grittiness Arsenal is desperately lacking.

Described as one of the next big stars out of France, M’Vila would fit perfectly in Wenger’s plans. He can provide cover behind the more creative midfielders while shoring up a shaky and fragile back line.

2. Carlos Tevez

Carlos Tevez has had his fair share of drama during his time in English football, but there is no denying the fact that the Argentine is a world-class footballer.

Having run out his course at Manchester City, Arsenal can provide a lifeline for the striker if he is indeed seeking a move out of Etihad Stadium.

Capable of singlehandedly changing the outcome of games, Tevez is a prodigious talent that certainly carries some baggage. Arsene Wenger is a player’s coach who somehow gets people like Tevez to put aside personal conquests in favor of team-oriented football.

If Wenger brings Tevez in, I expect him to handle the giant persona of Carlitos with ease. Perhaps a change of scenery is exactly what the agitated Argentine needs to revitalize his passion for the game, and the Gunners can offer that.

3. Moussa Sow

After being linked with his teammate Eden Hazard for what seems like ages, Lille’s Moussa Sow has just recently been on Arsenal’s radar.

And with Hazard more than likely taking his talents to Real Madrid, pouncing on the surefooted Senegalese striker seems like a pretty fair runner-up capture.

Sow has been in sublime form for the reigning Ligue 1 champions, and after being the top scorer last season, many big clubs are starting to take a notice in him. Arsenal will need to add more firepower to their striking units if they want to turn around this season, which Sow can provide.

With Robin van Persie stalling regarding his own contract talks, Arsenal need to be proactive if they are to see other first team players head out of London. Sow has dropped subtle hints about his own future with Lille, so the Gunners should make a valid attempt to bring the striker in.

4. Jan Vertonghen

The Belgian defender is another player the Gunners have targeted for a while, and January would be the perfect time to bring the Ajax captain aboard.

Vertonghen is a versatile defender who has expressed interest in leaving Amsterdam for a bigger club; and Arsenal is a preferred destination.

Having the likes of compatriot and friend Thomas Vermaelen already at the Emirates, the transition for Vertonghen would be seamless. Vertonghen can provide leadership and steadiness in the heart of Arsenal’s defense, and his versatility can see him slide up into a defensive midfield role if necessary.

With the injury woes of Vermaelen taking its toll on the Gunners' defense, bringing in the Vertonghen would provide the depth needed if he has any more setbacks. If Vermaelen, Mertesacker and Vertonghen are able to line up in Arsenal’s defense together, fans of the Gunners would certainly be reassured.