Arsenal are into the transfer market to sign a defensive midfielder in January given Mikel Arteta’s injury concerns and Mathieu Flamini’s inconsistency. Abou Diaby only further reiterates why signing a defensive midfielder is a must.

The Brazilian international made his breakthrough in 2012, when Spartak Moscow lured the holding midfielder away from Vasco da Gama. He has since evolved into an ironman at the Russian club thanks to his natural physical qualities.

Arsene Wenger has been forced to play Mathieu Debuchy and Nacho Monreal out of their natural positions thanks to injuries to Laurent Koscielny. With a view of making up for the depleted squad at the heart of the Gunners’ defense, Arsene Wenger is now eyeing up a move for Schalke’s Benedikt Howedes.

The German international is exactly the type of player, whom the Gunners managers would hanker for given his height and versatility. His contract runs till the end of 2016/17 campaign and at £15 million, the Schalke captain comes off as a bargain. Besides, the Schalke defender’s age proves that he could be the Gunners’ anchor at defense for the seasons to come.

It is safe to say Arsenal supporters went a bit crazy early this morning when quotes from manager Arsene Wenger were released.

The Gunners boss had his usual press conference earlier today and was asked about whether he would look to buy next month when the transfer window opens.

Wenger’s response suggested he wouldn’t sign anybody if everybody in his team was fit.

Arsenal have joined the race for Juventus superstar Paul Pogba, as Arsene Wenger seeks to strength the squad he has at the Emirates with injuries wrecking havoc with their season.

The Gunners boss has had to content with a number of injuries this campaign and means they find themselves 13 points behind Premier League leaders Chelsea.

They are also four points off West Ham United, who occupy fourth place, and therefore a move for the former Manchester United youngster makes sense.

Arsenal have struggled massively this season with injuries in defence, therefore it seems logical Arsene Wenger will look to strengthen in that area next month.

However, any hopes he had of getting West Ham ace Winston Reid on a cheap appear to have been squashed by the Hammers boss Sam Allardyce.

The New Zealand international has been a dependable league player since moving to Upton Park in 2010 from unknown Danish club Midtjylland.