Scouting For Wenger: 2 Players To Sign And 2 Players To Avoid In January

With Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger seemingly more committed to the transfer window than ever, the winter window should be an eventful one for the Gunners, though not all names linked with the Emirates Stadium side would be wise signings.

Should Avoid 1:

Alexandre Pato

The former AC Milan man has undoubted talent, but his constant injury problems are not something that Arsenal will want to inherit. The Corinthians striker is one of the fastest players on the planet, and that would suit the Arsenal system well, while speed is also a trait that most successful Premier League players share. Understood to be available for around £10m, it seems like a smart investment, but too many times in the past has an Arsenal player become invaluable to the squad just to have lengthy injury lay-offs, as that is the current problem with Thomas Vermaelen and Lukas Podolski, they do not need another.

Should Avoid 2:

Youssouf Mulumbu

The West Brom midfielder may have been impressive since his move to the Hawthornes from Paris Saint Germain in 2009, but it is unclear if he is really ready for a top club or not, as his time with PSG was when the French champions were in a completely different situation that what they are now. There is no doubt that he is a good player and also perfect for the Premier League, but he is not good enough for the likes of Barcelona and Bayern Munich, and since that is what Arsenal are aiming for, they should think twice about bringing in the Congo international.

Should Sign 1:

Alvaro Morata

The young Real Madrid forward has been linked with the Gunners in recent weeks, and after reports suggesting that Wenger has finalised an agreement for the Spain U21 international, it seems it may be just a waiting game until it is all confirmed. Unproven at the highest level he may be, but that makes the risk almost non-existent. At the age of 21 he still has a few years to assert himself, and after the rise of Aaron Ramsey this season has shown, patience is needed with young players.

Should Sign 2:

Remy Cabella

The young Montpellier man has been dazzling crowds in Ligue 1 with his skill and passing ability for a little over 2 seasons now. When Montpellier do something spectacular, his name is never far away from the headlines, and has thus been dubbed the ‘New Zinedine Zidane’. Famed for his ability to shoot from range, his 30 yard blockbusters have dug his side out of a lot of sticky situations, he is also the main reason the 2011 Ligue 1 Champions have avoided entering the bottom 3 this season. Able to play as a winger, attacking midfielder or in a central role, Cabella is exactly the type of player Arsene Wenger loves.