It’s been a trying season at times for manager Arsene Wenger and his Gunners but even with their recent 2-0 loss to Southampton, they have been in better form of late. Before that, Arsenal had won three of its previous four Premier League matches with a 2-2 draw to Liverpool being the lone exception. While they still have work to do, they have found a scoring touch of late and that’s a welcome change for a team that was far too inconsistent early on.
This is a team that needs some help, which is why the Gunners are among the teams expecting to add to their roster when the January transfer window opens. With the speculation blowing in the wind, here are three players in particular they are rumored to be targeting.
Benedikt Howedes – Defender, Schalke
The 26-year-old Schalke captain was a major force for Germany during its World Cup run when he operated as the left back but this is a versatile player that can do much more than that. He’s capable of being moved all around the pitch, which presents an even bigger upside for Arsenal if they can get their hands on him. Howedes is a natural center back but he has played on both the left and right side with the German national team, and he would be a perfect fit wherever Wenger would want to put him on the Arsenal back line.
There is no denying a number of teams including the Gunners would love to add Howedes and the competition appears to be quite fierce. Arsenal will have to come up with a good offer as competitors from the EPL, such as Manchester United, are also eyeing his services.
Originally, it was unclear whether or not Schalke was willing to part ways with their skipper, but as we get closer and closer to the transfer window, it looks like that won’t be much of a hurdle.
Joao Moutinho – Midfielder, Monaco
Mountinho’s name has continued to creep up in transfer talks for Arsenal and while some think that it won’t happen, where there is smoke there may very well be fire. The rumors continue to persist even though publicly, Moutinho came out and insisted that he’s not thinking about a move. The trouble is that it’s likely not up to him.
The Gunners have expressed their interest – 30 million pounds worth – in acquiring the midfielder and truth be told, the move makes sense. Monaco has been offloading stars with Falcao joining Manchester United and James Rodriguez leaving for Real Madrid. Monaco has really struggled, sitting sixth in the league standings, so it makes sense for them to make yet another move.
Although Moutinho isn’t the traditional defensively minded man in the middle some think Wenger wants, there is no doubt he would make an impact with his skill and creativity. Arsenal is going to experience some competition for his services as Chelsea is also rumored to be in the mix for his services.
Romulo – Midfielder, Spartak Moscow
Arsenal has lacked a true deep lying midfield that is capable of creating on his own for both himself and his teammates, but they might have found a capable transfer target in Romulo – as long as the Brazilian can remain healthy. Romulo was on the target list for several teams after an impressive showing for the Brazilian Olympic team in 2012 but he suffered a cruciate knee ligament injury that forced him to the sidelines for 18 months. Now Romulo is back in form and playing at a high level on a team that would be willing to move him. While some people still think it would be a surprise signing, there have been reports of the Gunners interest in him for some time. They were interested in him during the 2014 January transfer window as well.
One potential hurdle is that Spartak Moscow is apparently looking for Yaya Sanogo on loan as part of the deal. He doesn’t seem to be too keen on that, so that’s a hurdle the two sides will have to sort out.
