Arsenal were expected to be one of the busier teams in the January transfer window -they weren't. The Gunners are expected to be one of the clubs that will buy a few players and spend a fair amount of cash finally in the summer - that is the hope.

Arsenal are thought to be scouting, negotiating and identifying players to bring in the summer, as Arsene Wenger plans to build on the British core with experienced and proven players, while never giving up on scouting the best young talent around the globe.

Wenger still has a defensive midfielder - a proper one whose primary objective is to screen his defense - and a striker in mind.

The quality of those two signings in particular will hinge on the fact whether Arsenal secure Champions League qualification or not - they currently lie four points behind fourth-placed Tottenham.

While Wenger might say a few things which makes you want to tear your hair out, there is little doubt in the fact that a quality player will be attracted by the prospect of playing in the elite competition of European, way more than the fact that Arsenal have won their first trophy in eight years with the F.A. Cup.

Of course nothing is stopping the Gunners from doing both this season, and as some would say, from threatening to do so every season.

Two names that spring immediately to mind when it comes to a defensive midfielder is Etienne Capoue and Victor Wanyama.

Capoue was the subject of several bids from different clubs in January, but Toulouse refused to sell their player following the exit of Moussa Sissoko to Newcastle.

Wenger always has an upperhand when it comes to signings in France; the important thing though is if he chooses to.

Capoue has been impressive for his cub this season and looks like an accomplished defensive midfielder, who is also capable of covering at the back in emergency situations.

Wanyama is the other option, and an equally good one at that. The chances of Celtic letting go of one of their best players when they are set to face Juventus in the Champions League last 16 was slim at best.

However, there is nothing stopping an interested club from bringing in the Kenyan midfielder at the end of the season. Manchester United are also keeping an eye and it looks like it's going to be a straight battle between the two clubs in the summer.

There is also one more option for the Gunners in Wigan midfielder James McCarthy, although he is not exactly a defenders defensive midfielder. The youngster has been the Latics' best player this season and looks primed for bigger things.

"Obviously, it's good to see your name linked with big clubs, certain clubs, it' s always nice but I am still a Wigan player and I will keep playing for Wigan until the end of the season," McCarthy said.

"I have been linked with clubs here and there but I will keep working hard and see what the end of the season brings."

If Wigan were to get relegated, it might make easier for the likes of Arsenal to make a move.

Mohamed Diame is also a possibility, but it looks more likely that Wenger will go for one of Wanyama, Capoue or McCarthy.

But then, you can never rule out a signing from completely out of the blue either with a player who has never been linked with Arsenal before, similar to the way in which the club got their hands on Nacho Monreal at the last minute.