Arsenal are currently experiencing their worst start to a Premier League season since Arsene Wenger took charge 16 years ago. The Gunners find themselves in 8th place after 16 fixtures and many fans are expecting changes in the upcoming transfer window.
Here’s a look at the players who’ve been linked with a move to the Emirates heading into the new year.
Demba Ba
Newcastle striker Demba Ba is among those linked with a move to Arsenal.
The Senegal striker has been unable to agree a new deal at his current club and Arsenal are reportedly ready to trigger his £7.5m release clause.
To date, Ba has scored 11 goals in 17 Premier League appearances.
Thierry Henry
Thierry Henry has naturally been linked with a loan move back to his former home.
After returning during the MLS off-season last year, many Arsenal fans will expect to see him playing at the Emirates again this January.
Klass-Jan Huntelaar
Out of contract in the summer, Huntelaar could be a bargain signing for Arsene Wenger’s side in January – and replace the goal threat lost when Robin van Persie left.
The Netherlands star may be 29 years old, but has never relied on pace, and has a good few years remaining at the top level.
Wilfred Zaha
Crystal Palace winger Wilfried Zaha has also long been linked with a switch to Arsenal, with Gunners boss Arsene Wenger repeatedly refusing to confirm or deny his interest.
The Gunners are understood to be preparing an offer of £9m for the highly-rated 20-year-old.
Adrian Lopez
Spanish forward Adrian has thrived in a wide position for Atletico Madrid, with Radamel Falcao the central striker, but newspaper stories in the UK have indicated that Arsene Wenger sees him as the man to aid their attacking line.
The Spain international reportedly has a release clause of £14.4m, though Atletico Madrid are keen to offer him new terms on his contract to prevent his exit.
Jose Reina
Arsene Wenger will reportedly launch a bid to sign a goalkeeper in January – with Pepe Reina top of his wish-list.
Spain international Reina, who has had an indifferent season, is on £110,000-a-week wages, which is likely to be a issue for Arsenal.
Adel Taarabt
Arsenal could switch their attentions to Queens Park Rangers playmaker Adel Taarabt if they are priced out of a move for Wilfried Zaha.
Fernando Llorente
Arsenal are monitoring developments with Athletic Bilbao’s Fernando Llorente.
The 27-year-old is open to a move to England and has only one year left on his contract but his buy-out clause means clubs will still have to fork out close to £28million.
Kevin Strootman
Strootman is supposedly one of the clubs’ top transfer targets heading into the winter transfer window. It hass been reported that Arsene Wenger sent scouts to watch the PSV midfielder in action at the start of the month.
With the Gunners still lacking in attack this season, it is thought that Strootman—a true box-to-box midfielder—will be able to give them the platform going forward and allow the likes of Lukas Podolski and Santi Cazorla more freedom in the final third.
Raheem Sterling
Arsenal have been regularly scouting Liverpool’s Raheem Sterling as Wenger plans an overhaul to his squad in 2013.
Sterling, who made his England debut this season, remains in negotiations with Liverpool over a first senior contract but is yet to accept the offer of a new £20,000-a-week deal. This could provide the opportunity for Wenger to make a move.
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