Arsenal News: Arsene Wenger Must Sell Andrei Arshavin in January Transfer Window

Arsenal is ready to sell Andrei Arshavin in the January transfer window, and this is a move manager Arsene Wenger would be foolish not to make.

Arshavin is worthless to the Gunners and has failed to cement his place in Wenger's starting XI. The Russian's play is way too inconsistent, and he has not been a goal-scoring threat over the past two seasons.

Arshavin's work rate is poor, his defensive play is weak and his ball control skill has lessened.

Arsenal might not sell Arshavin unless they are able to bring in his replacement next month, but even if they fail to find his successor, Wenger must sell him anyway.

With that said, the club won't have trouble finding someone to replace him. Mario Gotze of Borussia Dortmund and Lukasz Podolski of Cologne are two prime targets of the club who can help the team score goals from players other than Robin Van Persie.

Arshavin is one of the higher-earning players in the club, and Wenger has gotten little return for his record breaking investment of two years ago. This season, Arshavin has scored just one league goal and has started only six games in the league.

Even with sensational new signing Gervinho possibly leaving for a bit in January to participate in the African Cup of Nations with the Ivory Coast, Arshavin should still be sold. 

Gervinho is a very good winger, and his brief departure would create a need on the outside of the pitch, but Arshavin still holds no value to the Gunners.

Podolski is a great winger and not only would he score goals for the club, he is a strong player who has a great passion for the game, as evidenced by his time playing in the Bundesliga and for the German national team.

With the funds brought into the Emirates from the summer sales of Cesc Fabregas, Samir Narsi and Gael Clichy, Arsenal has a ton of money to spend in the January transfer window.

After a poor start to the season, the Gunners are well within striking distance for a top-four Premier League finish, and the FA Cup is also a realistic trophy target for the club. With a few big signings, the club could also make a run for the league title.

It's not that Arshavin has been terrible just this season, his poor play has been a growing trend for more than a year and he has run out of chances to impress Wenger.

Arshavin is not giving Arsenal anything of real value, and he must be sold in the January transfer window so the club can bring in some quality talent who can help the club end its trophy drought.