Arsenal Transfer Rumours: 10 Players Most Likely to Help the Gunners This Winter

Arsenal could compete for the Premier League title this season if they sign a world-class talent or two in the January transfer window, and with the summer sales of Cesc Fabregas, Samir Nasri and Gael Clichy, the club certainly has a lot of funds.

Players such as Mario Gotze, Thierry Henry, Salomon Kalou, Alexandre Pato and Lukas Podolski are some often-rumored targets of Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, and the Gunners boss would be quite smart to bring at least one of those players to the Emirates next month.

Let's look at 10 players who will most likely help the Gunners this winter.

Thierry Henry

Arsenal legend Thierry Henry could join the club on a one-month deal to give Arsene Wenger enough depth behind striker Robin Van Persie. 

Henry is the club's all-time leading scorer and left the club almost five years ago to join Spanish-side Barcelona. He has been with the New York Red Bulls of the MLS since last season.

Arsenal needs more scoring depth on the bench, and bringing back the Frenchman could work for the club both on the pitch and as a way to help the younger players learn the game.

Mario Gotze

The Borussia Dortmund attacking midfielder is one of the world's finest young talents, and he has been linked to several top clubs, including the Gunners.

Mario Gotze is a very good playmaker who could end up being the perfect long-term replacement for the departed Cesc Fabregas. 

Gotze has proven that he can be a quality player in the tough Bundesliga, and he would thrive for a top English club like Arsenal with his skills and ability to improve each season.

Yann M'Vila

French side Rennes may find it difficult to fend off interest from top clubs such as Arsenal and Real Madrid regarding their star midfielder, Yann M'Vila.

M'Vila is a very strong player who could star defensively for Arsenal, but he also has good attacking qualities and possesses quality playmaking skills.

Arsene Wenger made a good-sized bid for the Frenchman in the summer, but Rennes declined to accept it. In January, Wenger should make another bid and convince the club to sell their prized midfielder, who doesn't seem to want to pledge his long-term future there.

Salomon Kalou

Chelsea winger Salomon Kalou has reportedly been a target for Arsenal, and the Ivorian would be a good replacement for a player like Andrei Arshavin, who may leave the Emirates next month.

Kalou has a lot of pace and can score goals as well. He can start matches but would really be an effective sub on Wenger's bench when he needs some instant attack later in matches.

Alexandre Pato

Young AC Milan forward Alexandre Pato is reportedly a target of Arsenal, but there isn't a huge chance the Brazilian comes to the Emirates this winter.

Pato has tremendous pace and is a proven goal scorer. If Milan gets Carlos Tevez from Manchester City, then parting with Pato might be an easier decision for the defending Serie A champions.

Luuk De Jong

Arsenal could be in the running for FC Twente striker Luuk De Jong, who would give the Gunners a young promising talent at forward.

Arsenal needs attacking depth, and De Jong likely would be an inexpensive transfer for manager Arsene Wenger to consider making.

Luciano Fabian Monzon

Arsenal needs to bolster its defense in the January transfer window, and Argentinian fullback Luciano Fabian Monzon could be a target of the club.

The OCG Nice defender is a very good player and would add some strength and defensive reliability to a Gunners defense that has struggled many times this season.

Edinson Cavani

Edinson Cavani has been an important part of a good Napoli side that has progressed to the knockout stages of the Champions League this season. But Arsenal could be tempted to make a bid for him due to the lack of a strike partner for Robin Van Persie.

Cavani has been linked to Arsenal before, and it could be only a matter of time before he comes to the Emirates.

Leandro Damiao

Leandro Damiao is another talented young striker that has been linked to the Gunners. The Brazilian has the ability to score a ton of goals, but the Gunners would face tough competition from a few Serie A teams in securing his signature.

He's certainly a player who Wenger would like to add to the attack.

Lukas Podolski

FC Cologne forward Lukas Podolski has become a top attacking target for Arsenal this season, and Wenger could make a £15million bid for him next month.

Podolski is a proven goal-scorer and is sixth all-time on the German national team scoring list with 43 goals.

The German would be a perfect addition to the wing for Arsenal and could be the best replacement for Andre Arshavin if the Russian leaves the Gunners next month.