Arsenal’s January transfer plans: Hazard, Henry, Bridge and more moves that would strengthen the Gunners

For the first time in a while, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger looks set to spend money in the January transfer window. With the Gunners relying heavily on Robin Van Persie for goals and fellow forwards Marouane Chamakh and Gervinho heading to the African Cup of Nations next month, the north London club are in desperate need of some firing power. Taking into account the injuries to every one of Arsenal’s full-backs and you realise Wenger needs to go shopping. Here, talkSPORT takes a look at what positions the Gunners will be looking to invest in January…

WHERE THEY NEED TO STRENGTHEN

STRIKERS: Fortunately, Robin van Persie’s brilliant form in 2011 has taken the heat off Arsenal’s lack of goal scorers. Marouane Chamakh, who is rumoured to be looking for a move away from the club next year, has only found the back of the net twice since November 2010 and will travel to the African Cup of Nations this month. With the Moroccan’s team-mate Gervinho also heading to the tournament, the Gunners are in desperate need of quality up front. Andrey Arshavin’s lack of form has left Arsenal with an uninspiring bench and a new spark in the dressing room would help Arsene Wenger’s side push for Champions League qualification.

FULL BACK: Injuries to Kieran Gibbs, Andre Santos, Bacary Sagna and Carl Jenkinson have left Arsenal with a desolate looking back four, with defensive midfielders and centre-backs having to fill in at full-back. Thomas Vermaelen and Johan Djourou have both looked relatively comfortable playing out of position, but with the Gunners hectic schedule of FA Cup, Premier League and Champions League fixtures coming up, they need to strengthen the depth of the squad and some specialist full backs would be very welcome indeed.

TRANSFER TARGETS

Thierry Henry will be the first player to join the Gunners on a two-month loan from the MLS. The Arsenal legend will bring some much needed support for Van Persie and should have a positive impact on the dressing room. Reports have suggested the New York Red Bulls forward still has the fitness to play in the Premier League, but some fans are worried their club’s greatest ever striker, could ruin his reputation if he fails to live up to expectations.

Arsenal have also been linked with Cologne striker Lukas Poldolski. The German international is desperate for a move away from the struggling Bundesliga side, but a price tag of around £20million and competition from Liverpool for the 26-year-old makes him an unlikely target for Arsene Wenger, who has rarely spent any money in the January transfer window.

Out-of-favour AC Milan full back Taye Taiwo issued a ‘come get me plea’ after finding himself struggling to get in the Italian side’s first team. Wenger could try and sign the Nigerian, but his recent run of good performances may have increased his price tag. The Gunners boss might consider loan moves for Man City’s Wayne Bridge, or a more permanent and costly bid for Ajax’s Jan Vertonghen.

DREAM SIGNING

Would surely be Lille's brilliant playmaker Eden Hazard. The young Belgian is top of the shopping list of most of Europe's top clubs, which means Arsenal will probably be priced out of the biding. His vision, pace and finishing would add an extra depth to the Gunners forward line and his style would be a perfect match for the slick football of Arsene Wenger's Arsenal.

NEED TO GET RID OF

Sebastien Squallaci, Marouane Chamakh, Andrey Arshavin

BUDGET

The money raised from the sale of Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri in the summer leaves Arsenal with a hefty transfer budget of around £30milllion. Wenger is notoriously tight with cash in January, but may spend in 2012 due to the desperation of their league position and the fact they look set to miss out on a Champions League spot.

Do you think Wenger will splash the cash this transfer window? And would Thierry Henry be a good signing? Why not let us know by commenting below, or contacting us on Twitter