January Transfer Window: 5 Veteran Midfielders Linked with Arsenal Move

Arsenal's midfield has become as much of a talking point as the team's often-suspect defense.  So far this season the Gunners' midfield has struggled to cope without the creativity of Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri, as well as the energy and drive of Jack Wilshere.

This has meant that Arsenal's familiar quick and intricate passing game has not been up to the usual high standards set in this area, under Arsene Wenger.

With the January transfer window approaching, many have speculated that the Gunners' boss will take the opportunity to reinforce his midfield options.

Having already looked at some of the young midfield starlets linked with a move to North London, here is a list examining five experienced schemers who could be in line for a switch to Arsenal.

5. Juan Vargas, Fiorentina

Peruvian international Juan Vargas has been heavily linked with a January move to Arsenal.  The Fiorentina star is a tough tackling, resourceful and versatile midfielder, capable of playing in multiple positions.

Vargas has the power, drive and skill to pose a major threat from wide areas.  He would provide a determined, combative presence, as well as boosting the goal threat from the Gunners' midfield.

Metro has reported that Arsenal will continue to scout Vargas, with a view to making a move for the 28-year-old, who is valued in the £10 -13 million region.

Vargas has come in for criticism for his lack of discipline on the pitch as well as some of his off the field behaviour, and Wenger would need to be sure he could keep the temperamental, but extremely talented star in line.

4. Riccardo Montolivo, Fiorentina

Despite strong interest from AC Milan, Arsenal continue to be linked with a move for Fiorentina play-maker Riccardo Montolivo.

The Daily Mirror has reported that Arsenal are continuing to monitor any developments regarding Montolivo and could yet renew their interest in January.

The Italian international certainly possesses the technical quality that would suit Arsenal and elevate the standard of their play.

Montolivo is a cultured passer, blessed with great touch and control and also has a powerful shot, making him a legitimate threat from anywhere in and around the box.

Montolivo has received criticism at times during his career for a perceived lack of effort.  This makes him a big risk for an Arsenal squad that already contains a number of players of whom the same criticism could easily be made.

But his contract is set to expire in the summer and there has been plenty of speculation that a modest fee could be enough to secure his services in January.

3. Lucho Gonzalez, Marseille

The 30-year-old Argentine playmaker Lucho Gonzalez was heavily linked with a loan move to Arsenal towards the end of the summer transfer window.

Gonzalez is said to still be on the Gunners' radar.  The experienced schemer has fallen out of favour at Marseille and Wenger remains a fan.

Insidefutbol.com suggests that Arsenal could renew their interest in Gonzalez and move for the creative veteran in January.

Gonzalez possesses a varied and accurate passing range and is a composed and clinical finisher in front of goal.

An extremely intelligent player, Gonzalez would add plenty of craft and guile to Arsenal's midfield ranks.  He is a natural fit for the advanced position in the Gunners' midfield trio.

Gonzalez can appear languid at times and has a worrying tendency to stroll through periods of games.  He did little to impress on Wednesday when Marseille hosted Arsenal.

But the former Porto star has the experience and inventive flair that is currently missing from the Arsenal midfield in attacking areas.

Gonzalez could be worth a gamble at a reasonable price.

2. Lucas Biglia, Anderlecht

Like his compatriot Gonzalez, Lucas Biglia was rumoured to be a summer transfer window target of Arsene Wenger and continues to be linked with a possible switch to North London.

TalkSport.co.uk reports that Arsenal are still very interested in pursuing a deal to bring Biglia to the Premier League.

Biglia would be an intriguing signing.  He has an appealing combination of tenacity and technique.  The Argentine international has the vision and instincts to operate effectively in both deep and advanced areas.

At 25, Biglia has good experience but is still young enough to fit in with Wenger's traditional approach to transfers.

1. Raffael, Hertha Berlin

Little known Brazilian Raffael is a natural advanced, attacking midfielder.  There have been some rumors linking Arsenal to a possible January move for the dynamic Hertha Berlin star.

Givemefootball.com recently suggested that Arsenal could move for Raffael in January, for as little as £4 million.

Raffael is an accomplished passer, who utilizes deceptive quickness and clever movement to always find space.

When on the ball in and around the opposition box he is a very direct player, although the 26-year-old needs to improve his finishing to score the number of goals he should.

Raffael would provide excellent support to Robin van Persie and has the flair and intelligence to excel in Wenger's footballing philosophy.

Arsenal have demonstrated small signs of recovery recently.  But if they are going to compete against stronger opposition and ultimately for trophies this season, then more quality may need to be added, unless one of the current midfielders can really step up.