So, what is in the shopping windows for Wenger and the Gunners? There is a long list of players linked with Arsenal. Check out the list below:

(Player - Current Club - Position )
Tresor Mputu - TP Mazembe - Striker
Adriano - Inter Milan - Striker
Nikolay Dimitrov - Levski - Striker
Luka Modric - Dinamo Zagreb - Striker
Miguel Veloso - Sporting Lisbon - Midfielder
Jussi Jaaskelainen - Bolton - Goalkeeper
Samir Nasri - Marseille - Striker
Karim Benzema - Lyon - Striker
John Bostock - Crystal Palace - Midfielder
Daniel Parejo - Real Madrid - Midfielder
Micah Richards - Manchester City - Defender
Ronaldino - Barcelona - Striker
Sébastien Squillaci - Lyon - Defender

As the list is huge, let’s pick a few of the more likely ones. Wenger has categorically stated that there is no more room in attack and midfield for him to bring in any more players. Why then are there so many speculations for strikers and midfielders? The answer is always that scoring a goal is never as boring as defending a goal.

In the list, Mputu heads the list of hopeful as he is considered to be the next Eto’o. At a cheap price of £500,000, Wenger will be tempted to gamble just like how he did with Toure a few years ago. The next youngster we can consider is Nikolay Dimitrov; the 20 yr old left footed Bulgarian is highly rated following his appearance in the Bulgarian Under 21 team. Wenger has also invited him for training sessions with the Arsenal team.

Big names like Adriano and Ronaldino are unlikely to join us as they come with hefty price tags and may not perform up to expectations. In particular, Adriano has been seriously off-form these few months. Ronaldino will probably come with a scary price tag and even scarier baggage of problems. Although always smiling on the field, there have been many rumours of his big ego in the dressing room.

A signing that I think is absolutely necessary in January is a central defender as we will lose Toure to the African Cup for a substantial period of time. Although Gilberto can play there and we have Senderos as cover, the lack of an experienced defender may leak goals unnecessarily. Wenger may choose to recall Djourou (whom have improved tremendously) or dive into the market to fish for another defender. Micah Richards come to mind although he will not come cheap. He is young, strong, and extremely fast and has stated that he would love to play for Arsenal if the opportunity occurs. Of course, being an Englishman, he might help Le Boss deflect some negative comments on the development of English lads by Wenger.

What about the rumour on Jussi Jaaskelainen? Do we need another keeper? That will really depend on whether loud mouth is staying or going in January. As Blondie continues to shine as the new No. 1, Lehmann will be more hard pressed to play regular football in order to line up for Germany in Euro 2008. Jussi will be a reliable No.2 until Fabianski matures enough to take over the goalkeeper position. However, will Jussi be contented to be a cover to Almunia. That itself is a big question mark. Yet, all this need not be discussed if Lehmann is willing to work hard and wait for his chance to regain his place.

Who do you think Wenger will sign? Or will he again famously refuse to buy in January?

AUTHOR: RICK CHONG