Arsenal Transfer Rumours: 5 Players Linked to Gunners

With the January window fast approaching there is no shortage of players being linked with Arsenal.

Arsene Wenger recently claimed that Arsenal may dip into the market if the right transfer presents itself, and that is sure to get the blood boiling for both fans and the media.

Arsenal need cover in both the defensive and forward lines, as players like Gervinho will leave for the African Cup of Nations in January, and all the fullback options are currently injured. Whether or not any of the players on this list are actually likely to join the Gunners, they have still been linked with a move to North London over the last few months.

At the end of the day, Wenger will have to decide just how much he needs reinforcements to help continue his teams climb up the league table.

Here is a list of five players that have been linked with Arsenal.

M'Baye Niang

M'Baye Niang is only 16 years old, but he has reportedly caught Arsenal's interest. Niang would definitely continue Arsene Wenger's trend of buying young and honing a player's talent.

The SM Caen player would be highly unlikely to play any part in the teams current campaign and—even if he come to come in the summer—a loan move would be the most plausible option.

Niang is a prodigious talent who has years ahead of him and—given Arsenal's reputation for buying youth—he could join the club at some point soon.

Lukas Podolski

Lukas Podolski has been continuously linked with Arsenal for the last month or so and, according to Footybunker.com, Arsenal are the favourites to land the German forward. That is, if the interest is real.

While playing at Bayern Munich—the one big club he has played for so far in his career—Podoslki did not perform as expected in front of goal. When it comes to the the big International tournaments, however, Podolski has been quite prolific for Germany.

At his current club FC Koln—the club where he made first made his name—Podolski has scored a good number of goals and so far this season he has 14 goals and seven assists in all competitions.

Moussa Sow

Moussa Sow was linked with the Gunners throughout the summer, and it appears he is still on the team's radar.

Arsenal's interest could be that much more solid this time around with the lack of goals from anyone not named Robin van Persie. If interest is real, it could be a choice between Sow and Lukas Podolski in January, and the cheaper option would certainly win.

Sow is only one year younger and is not proven on the international stage like Podolski; but either option would still be good for the Gunners.

Taye Taiwo

According to Metro, Taiwo's recent frustrations at the lack of playing time at AC Milan has attracted Arsenal to the possibility of him being available.

Arsenal needs some help at fullback position right now, and Taiwo would present a nice and possibly cheap option. Taiwo's presence would definitely help the Gunners, but it would be interesting how Arsene Wenger were to deal with this situation.

A loan move would see to it that Taiwo returns to AC Milan when the majority of Arsenal's fullbacks recover, but a full transfer may put doubt on the position of one of his current left backs, Kieran Gibbs and Andre Santos.

Arsenal could use the help, and Wenger will surely make the best decision for his club.

Alejandro Faurlin

Arsenal does not necessarily need any midfield help in the long run, but some help could come in January.

While Jack Wilshere may return earlier than expected, he would not be anywhere near full fitness and he would not be able to help the squad from the start.

In steps Alejandro Faurlin—at least according to Caughtoffside.com. He was a key player for QPR last term and has been a constant fixture in the Premier League campaign so far.

At 25 years old, he does not fit the usual Arsene Wenger prospect; and considering the options already on board, this does not look a likely option.