January Transfer Window: 4 Attacking Midfield Starlets Linked with Arsenal Move

Given Arsenal's troubles replacing the creativity of Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri, a host of promising, young attack-minded midfielders have been linked with a January switch to North London.

Welsh prodigy Aaron Ramsey has struggled under unfair pressure to immediately assume the mantle vacated by Fabregas and as a result Arsenal's trademark combination of flair and fluidity has been sadly lacking at the beginning of the season.

Many feel that Arsene Wenger has already decided it is time to seek out the next Fabregas and restore Arsenal's stylish and adventurous brand of passing football.

Here are four gifted youths said to be on Arsenal's transfer radar.

4. Jose Rodriguez, Real Madrid

A deal for 16-year-old Real Madrid academy starlet Jose Rodriguez has long been mooted. Wenger is rumoured to be extremely keen to bring Rodriguez to North London and quickly integrate him into the first team.

Rodriguez is a busy and efficient midfielder who covers plenty of ground and is adept at linking the midfield and forward lines together.

The Madrid youngster shone in the FIFA Under-17 World Club Championships and Arsenal are eager to finalise professional terms.

Although a deal has been rumoured for a while, the Daily Mirror recently reported that negotiations are ongoing and any prospect of a deal has yet to be officially confirmed by either Arsenal or Real Madrid.

If Arsenal were to secure the signing of Rodriguez, the young Spaniard would join former Barcelona academy graduates Hector Bellerin and Jon Toral in the Gunners youth setup, with a chance to be fast tracked onto the senior side.

3. Alan Dzagoev, CSKA Moscow

21-year-old Alan Dzagoev continues to be mentioned as the subject of great interest from Arsenal.  Metro has reported that the club has courted Dzagoev during this season's Champions League.  The Gunners fondness for the player is certainly warranted.

Dzagoev is an extremely intelligent, technically gifted and fleet footed attacking midfielder.  The diminutive playmaker is exactly the type of player who could assume the role of chief creative influence in Wenger's tactical structure.

Dzagoev is a composed finisher and has the vision and skill to be a real asset in the most advanced position in Arsenal's midfield trio.

Having played for CSKA Moscow in the Champions League and the Russian national team, Dzagoev has decent experience at the highest levels of the game.

The presence of fellow international stalwart Andrey Arshavin might also help Dzagoev settle quickly at Arsenal.

Despite the issue of him being cup-tied for Europe, it is the opinion of this author that Dzagoev represents the best option for Wenger in January.

He is the right age, but not so young that he lacks the necessary experience.  Dzagoev should be able to slot straight into the team and he has the ability to make an immediate difference.

2. Daniel Parejo, Valencia

22-year-old former Real Madrid youth prodigy Daniel Parejo is said to be drawing considerable interest from Arsenal.

Insidefutbol.com recently reported that Wenger retains an interest in the crafty Spanish midfield schemer.

Parejo joined Valencia in the summer, but is apparently disgruntled with the small number of first team opportunities he has received.

Valued at around £7 million, Parejo is a classy and cultured midfielder who is a clever passer and makes well timed forward runs.

He certainly has the attributes to fill the most important position in Arsenal's current formation. Attitude and ability at the highest level would be the biggest question marks.

Having barely settled in with Valencia, Parejo is already complaining.  This is not a good sign, however justified.  He failed to break through at Real, and his best moments have come while on loan at QPR and Getafe.

1. Xherdan Shaqiri, FC Basel

Arsenal were linked with Swiss wing dynamo Xherdan Shaqiri towards the end of the summer transfer window and rumours of renewed Gunners interest this winter have surfaced in recent weeks.

Givemefootball.com has reported that Arsenal scouts have been in attendance at recent Switzerland games to asses the performances and quality of Shaqiri.

Shaqiri is a dynamic and exciting prospect.  Capable of operating in a free role anywhere in the attacking third of the pitch, the Basel youngster is blessed with tricky footwork and close control.

Shaqiri excels when running at the opposition.  He is able to turn sharply and at tremendous speed.  He possesses a powerful shot and would provide Arsenal's midfield with a more direct threat.

Many view Shaqiri as a cheaper alternative to long-time Arsenal target Eden Hazard, who could command a fee in the region of £30 million.

Shaqiri is said to be valued nearer to the £15 million mark and the 19-year-old has decent international and Champions League experience.

He would be cup tied for the knockout stages of this year's competition, having already participated in the group stage for Basel.

Arsenal are currently being linked with a host of precocious, young attacking midfield talents.  It is clear that the team's creativity has suffered badly since the departures of Fabregas and Nasri.

It is also clear that Wenger is unlikely to be given the funds necessary to secure marquee names like Hazard or Mario Gotze.

Instead the Gunners boss may have to continue to shop shrewdly as he looks to secure his next young star in the making.