Arsenal FC: 5 January Signings Which Could Change Their Season

Arsenal football club were once "invincible," managing to be the only team since the Premier League's Inception 1992 to go through a season without losing a game.

Unfortunately in London, times have changed since then, and the Gunners look unlikely to be able to go through a championship season unbeaten with the current squad of players.

With Arsene Wenger and his board reluctant to spend "big" as a rule, here is a look at some players Arsenal might acquire in the January transfer window to improve the squad.

Gary Cahill, Bolton Wanderers and England

Arsenal's 2003-04 team which created that amazing record of not losing a Premiership game all season was built on a solid defensive foundation of Lauren, Sol Campbell, Kolo Toure and Ashley Cole.

Today's back four of Kieren Gibbs, Per Mertesacker, Thomas Vermaelen and Bacary Sagna might not seem bad in comparison, but with Sagna and Vermaelen out with ankle injuries, Mertesacker still adapting to the pace of the English game, and Gibbs having just pushed through from the reserve team, it's all untested.

Their backup players just don't cut it, so Bolton's Gary Cahill would be the obvious choice.

Linked throughout the summer window, Cahill has now found himself involved with England which will further enhance his abilities and desirability. Having played for a number of years in the Premier League, Cahill knows what to expect and would require no bedding in.

Expect to pay for his services, though, as Bolton manager Owen Coyle knows he has a star on his hands and won't want to lose him on the cheap.

Likelihood of leaving in January: 9/10

Likelihood of signing for Arsenal: 9/10

Adel Taarabt, Queens Park Rangers and Morocco

The loss of Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri was a massive double-hammer blow for Arsenal this summer. Replacements of an ageing Mikel Arteta and Yossi Benayoun on loan were hardly the marquee signings that Gooners were looking for to steady the ship.

Perhaps more worrying is their consistent link to QPR midfielder Adel Taarabt. Undoubtedly a talented player, Taarabt was a former Tottenham Hotspur benchwarmer before they dispensed with his services in 2007. 

Moving to the Championship to play with QPR was a bold move, but one that seemingly has rejuventated the players career.

Having watched Taarabt in the Premier League on a few occasions this season, though, I'm not convinced he has the quality needed to play for Arsenal. Couple that with being a former Spurs player, and I don't think Arsenal fans would even be interested.

Taarabt has recently fallen out with manager Neil Warnock, and a January move does seem likely.

Likelihood of leaving in January: 9/10

Likelihood of signing for Arsenal: 7/10

Carlos Tevez, Manchester City and Argentina

With one great striker in Robin van Persie, and another lively player in Gervinho, Arsenal have quite a few attacking options at the moment. One thing they do lack, though, is a goal scorers.

Van Persie aside, no one in the current Arsenal team looks likely to break 15 goals this season, nevermind the 44 that Tevez has achieved in his last two campaigns.

Now, I know this move would be far-fetched, and I can see you all rolling your eyes as you read this, but think about it.

Firstly, Tevez wants out of Manchester, and has had a very public spat with Roberto Mancini who states he will never play for the club again. Secondly, Tevez hates that Manchester does not offer him enough entertainment and quality restaurants (genuinely).

What better place for those two things than England's capital?

I know Arsenal are never going to fork out $60 million for Tevez, but a loan deal could be beneficial for both parties whilst Tevez works on securing a permanent deal back to South America which he craves so much.

There's nothing for Wenger to lose by making the enquiry, and stranger things have happened in football.

Likelihood of leaving in January: 10/10

Likelihood of signing for Arsenal: 6/10

Marouane Fellaini, Everton and Belgium

With Jack Wilshere out injured, Arsenal are in need of some midfield steel to help the tireless Alex Song. Abou Diaby seems to be one of those players who gets injured consistently, and the best he has mustered in the past five years is 2,319 minutes of football in the 2009-10 season.

Certainly not enough football to be considered a key part of Arsenal's first team anymore.

A surprising name that has surfaced for the defensive midfield position is Marouane Fellaini of Everton.

Signed by David Moyes in 2008, Fellaini has adapted to Premier League life with ease after moving from Standard Liege. Blessed with a strong physical presence (aided no doubt by his noticeable hairstyle) and an eye for a pass, it is of no surprise that Manchester United were interested before he signed for the blue half of Merseyside.

Having paid 15 million GBP, expect Everton to be wanting some profit.

Likelihood of leaving in January: 7/10

Likelihood of joining Arsenal: 7/10

Martin O'Neill

I think most Arsenal fans would argue that Arsene Wenger is a great manager who will go down in history as one of the best they've ever had, but that's not to say that he's on borrowed time at the Emirates Stadium.

As the saying goes, everything good must come to an end, and I feel the end is nigh for Arsene.

Having received the dreaded vote of confidence from his board, Wenger is currently piecing together his clubs fragile confidence after a huge defeat at the hands of Manchester United and, more recently, a disappointing derby defeat to Tottenham Hotspur.

Maybe there's nothing more he can do for the club except to leave them with a strong youthful squad with a healthy bank balance.

One person who could be a great replacement is Martin O'Neill.

Widely considered as one of the best managers in the Premier League, he is currently unattached since leaving Aston Villa over transfer disputes, and may jump at the chance to manage a big club.

A fresh impetus could be exactly what the doctor ordered to drag the Gunners up the table.

Likelihood of signing for Arsenal: 9/10