An insight into Arsenal's transfer window

Ashish Kumar shares his views on the ongoing transfer window from an Arsenal perspective on The Arsenal Armory.

Wenger’s men have been taking each game as it comes. However, injuries have hit his squad hard, particularly Theo Walcott, who spends rest of the season on the sidelines due to a ruptured ACL. 2nd choice striker Nicklas Bendtner is also out for a couple more weeks which leaves Wenger short of men to fill in the striker's role leaving Frenchman Olivier Giroud as the only center forward at his disposal.

Although Lukas Podolski, and summer recruit Yaya Sanogo can both play up front, it would be a bitter pill to swallow for Arsenal Fans if their side doesn't sign a striker in the ongoing transfer window. They sure as hell don't want a DéjàVu 2007-08!

Despite frequent injuries to players in every position, the club from Holloway, London has shown remarkable mental strength and has remained on top.

With less than 2 weeks left in the “Silent” January window, Gooners around the world wake up every morning with the question “Have we signed a striker yet?" The Professor however, isn't a fan of the January window having recently vouched for the whole window to be scrapped!

We know for fact that Arsene Wenger's window starts on the 30th (Monréal or Arshavin are proofs for that), so there is still time left.  Here is a look at the players linked and a brief analysis of the possible transfer.

Julian Draxler

Boy, I would be lying if I said that every time I hear that name, it doesn't excite me. The 20 year old prodigy from Germany is someone who has regularly been linked to Arsenal for quite some time now. Speculations regarding the future of “DraxLAD” have been increasing as Schalke President admitted that things are out of his control now and the youngster could very well leave the club. It has been well known that Wenger and Draxler have regularly been in contact. So a possible transfer now or in the near future looks realistic.

I have seen people saying another attacking midfielder isn't what Arsenal need, but if you look closely, Draxler has everything you want in a Striker. Wenger is looking to do a “Henry” again and it is very much possible as Draxler has the pace and also the strength to beat his marker. He has the skills to make defenders look like kids and can hit it hard! He has all the qualities to be a world class striker, and seeing Draxler and Özil combine would be a delight.

Also, Özil-Giroud is a mismatch since the former requires fast players ahead of him who can get behind defenders, whereas the Frenchman needs a hardworking CAM with whom he can exchange passes with and combine.

Although the transfer could make Arsenal the front runners for the league, paying close to 40 millions in January is so unlike The Gunners' boss. Also, there is a risk of Bayern/P$G hijacking the move as the Bavarians won’t let a talent like Draxler leave Germany.

Personally, I would love to see Draxler in an Arsenal jersey. But I don’t think winter is the time we are getting him!

Alexandre Pato

The immensely talented Samba boy is another name which has been continuously linked to a move to Arsenal. From a personal point of view, I don’t find much credibility in the rumor though. There is no denying about Pato’s talent- Samba flair combined with pace and an eye for goal. He has everything Arsenal are looking for in a striker. But his persistent injuries and bad form will make Wenger think twice before placing a bid for the 24 year old.

Although, this being world cup year would make Pato want to get back to his best so that he can play a role in Selecao’s  bid to win it in their country.

I cannot speak about the odds, but if the deal happens, you might see another one of those classic Arsene Wenger bargains!

Christian Benteke

The Belgian gave a “come and get me” signal to Arsenal during the summer and he would not miss out on the chance if given now. He has confessed his love for Arsenal repeatedly, and rejecting Spurs has earned him a place in the Arsenal hearts. There is no question about his talent. He was a bit off form, but he has looked sharper recently, giving a MOTM performance against Liverpool. He is young, clinical and fast, and has considerable experience too. Villa signing Grant Holt on loan makes me wonder more about this move!

Dimitar Berbatov

The Bulgarian international too, has been linked to the Gunners. Wenger denied the rumors instantly, but trusting him when it comes to his word on possible targets is the last thing you want to do. After having a disappointing spell with the cottagers, Berbatov has been seen frustrated on and off the pitch. He would fancy a move away from his current club who are fighting hard to avoid relegation, and being linked to the league leaders could be his perfect escape route. His age is a concern, but given his experience, talent, and of course capabilities, a loan move would seem appropriate.

Yes, he is lazy, but at the same time if he gets to play with our midfield, I am sure he can work wonders!

Mishy Batshuayi

A transfer window doesn't simply go without Arsenal being linked to one wonder kid or another. This time its Batshuayi or Batman as I prefer to call him. The kid has attracted interest from BVB, Arsenal, and Everton to name a few. It would take 7 million to trigger the transfer clause in his contract, and seeing his recent form, 19 goals, 6 assists in 38 games, the money seems fair. His agent revealed that any club meeting the clause can start negotiating, but seeing that we already have Afobe and Sanogo, I can't see Wenger going in for him!

Paul-Georges Ntep

The Professor has always looked upon France as a gold mine of talent, and keeping that in mind Ntep is nothing but pure gold! He is a striker with speed and excellent technique. He is skillful and also boasts of a great goal scoring record.

There have been increasing reports about Arsenal meeting the required fee. His addition would be a boon for the club. His strength and technique can be an asset, and he can be a great backup for Giroud.

The odds with this move are high. Auxerre and Arsenal have had good relations in the past. Let's see what comes of it this time around!

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January isn't the time when you can get your desired players, but you can surely make a few changes to the squad and prepare it for the second half of the season!

Hoping Wenger signs someone soon, like he did exactly 8 years ago by bringing this lad in! COYG!

                                                -Ashish Kumar