Arsenal Transfer Talk: 4 Transfers That Could Get Gunners Back into Title Race

The January transfer window is the perfect time for squads to put together some final pieces in order to contend for a league title.

And for a team like Arsenal, there is a definite need for more than one piece if they expect to compete for the Premier League crown.

Arsene Wenger’s men have been low on confidence so far this season. Coming out of the International break, they are expecting to start new and revive their chances at winning the title by stringing together positive performances.

But fans of the Gunners know that in order to keep up with the likes of Chelsea, Manchester United, Manchester City and the newly revitalized Liverpool, they will need to strengthen their squad depth dramatically.

Here are four players Wenger should target once the January transfer window opens.

1. Gabriel Torje, MD, Udinese

The 21-year-old midfielder, hailed as “the Romanian Lionel Messi”, is a speedy and tricky winger who has been linked to Wenger’s side.

The Udinese prodigy is a dynamic dribbler and possesses incredible ball control, hence the comparison to the diminutive Argentine.

And according the The Metro in England, the Gunners have wasted no time in sending scouts to Italy to monitor the youngster.

With the injury concerns of Theo Walcott and unconvincing displays put in by Andrei Arshavin, snapping up Torje seems like a no-brainer for Wenger.

Providing experienced cover is a main concern for the club, and Torje has proven himself in Serie A so far this season.

Brought in from Dinamo Bucuresti over the summer, Torje has lit Italy on fire and has Udinese atop the league.

Wenger should strongly consider investing in the youngster, and with other target Marvin Martin stating his desire to stay in France recently, Torje is an adequate alternative.

2. Alex, DF, Chelsea

After falling out of favor with new Chelsea boss Andre Villas-Boas, Brazilian defender Alex is searching for fresh pastures.

Once the transfer window opens, Wenger should rekindle his desire to bring the powerful defender to the Emirates.

With Per Mertesacker still adapting to the rigors of the English game and Thomas Vermaelen shelved with an injury, Alex is an ideal candidate to help fill the defensive void Arsenal lack.

Alex has plenty of the league experience needed to lead the Gunners back line, and Arsenal fans can sigh in relief knowing the Brazilian can compete with the shaky Laurent Koscielny.

The club is obviously desperate to shore up their backline, and the imposing back will need no time to fit in with the pace of the game.

Alex is not only a capable defender, but also holds a booming shot and is deadly off set-pieces.

This seems like a transfer that would not only be welcomed by Arsenal, but by the player himself.

3. Ousmane Drame. ST, Padova

A relatively unknown stiker, recent Gunners target Ousmane Drame is being monitored by their scouts after impressing with Serie B side Padova.

While bringing in a 19-year-old from the second division of Italian football seems questionable, other big clubs have noticed the talent in Drame, further validating his credentials.

With the saga of Robin Van Persie weighing heavy on the mind of Wenger, bringing in the Frenchman could possibly convince the Arsenal captain to reconsider his future.

Drame is a speedy and compact striker who can unlock an opponent’s backline using his pace and agility.

Still, he is relatively small in stature and the physical nature of the English game could prove detrimental to the striker’s development.

But Wenger is a shrewd manager who has a history of not only snatching up raw talent, but also getting such players to transition smoothly.

Knowing that, pursuing the youngster could prove to be yet another smart piece of business by the French manager.

4. Juan Manuel Vargas, DF/MD, Fiorentina

With Fiorentina announcing they are ready to sell Peruvian Juan Manuel Vargas, the Gunners should be anxious to pounce.

The Italian club is asking for £12 million for the player, the perfect price for the frugal Wenger.

Vargas is a tested player who is one of the best crossers of the ball currently in the game, and his versatility is well-known to his many suitors.

As the Ivorian Gervinho is set to miss some time due to the Africa Cup of Nations in January, the Peruvian’s versatility can be utilized on either flank, in defense or in the midfield.

Having already expressed interest in Vargas, January is the perfect time for Arsenal to bring him on board.

The 28-year-old could supply leadership and experience in a squad littered with young talent.

This is one prospect I hope Arsenal seriously consider finalizing in January, due to his flexibility and ability to fill so many holes the Gunners have.