Five January signings that could win Arsenal the Premier League title

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Victor Wanyama (Southampton)

According the John Cross of the Daily Mirror, Wanyama is Arsene Wenger’s main target ahead of this summer’s transfer window. With Mathieu Flamini and Mikel Arteta out of contract in the summer, the decks ought to be cleared for a headline purchase in central midfield. I’m not convinced that Arsene Wenger rates Wanayama much above the category of ‘good’. He was an admirer of Wanyama’s old Southampton teammate Morgan Schneiderlin, but didn’t feel he warranted the £27m transfer fee and a salary that would have made him one of Arsenal’s top earners. Schneiderlin hasn’t really imposed himself at Old Trafford, so it is hard to argue that Wenger got this one wrong, even if it left Arsenal a bit short for cover.

His interest in Wanyama is likely to follow the same pattern. If Arsenal can secure the Kenyan’s services with a financial package that Wenger feels reflects his quality, the transfer could have some legs to it. I do not foresee however, Arsenal expending a large chunk of their budget to get Wanyama to the club; in the way that they might do if John Stones or Aubameyang became available. Many will claim that Wanyama offers some of the physicality that Arsenal have often been accused of lacking. I’m not sure physical size alone is enough to fit Arsenal’s requirements in this area though; they really need someone comfortable receiving the ball from centre backs and playing out when pressed.