Arsenal are generally one of the least busy teams when it comes to buying players in the transfer window.
Arsene Wenger likes to go about his business quietly and make his deals as quickly and swiftly as possible.
However, this January window, with all the problems that the team are facing, the Gunners are expected to be one of the busiest English Premier League sides. Expecting one thing and what actually transpires are two completely different things, however.
Here is a look at the players that Arsenal need to bring their season back on track, and possibly even contend for the Champions League title.
Luke Shaw (left-back, Southampton): Anybody that watched the 17-year-old play against Arsenal, could not have been more impressed. The teenager had composure and defensive awareness beyond his years, and with Andre Santos best left out of the squad, Shaw will be a perfect option for Arsene Wenger to battle for the left-back spot with Kieran Gibbs.
Cost: £7-10 million ($11-16 million)
Yann M'Vila (defensive midfielder, Rennes)/Victor Wanyama (defensive midfielder, Celtic): Arsene Wenger does not really believe in defensive enforcers anymore, or at least that is what he would like everyone to believe.
Wenger bid for Wanyama in the summer, but was turned down by Celtic. One of the bigger mistakes of the summer from Arsenal might have been not to pursue the deal more vigilantly. Wanyama has had a brilliant season with the Scottish champions and is a powerhouse that can easily adapt to life in the English Premier League. Wanyama, though, will be ineligible to take part in the Champions League.
M'Vila, as everyone knows, is a long-term target; and the only reason why he has not turned out for Arsenal already is due to his discipline. If Wenger can curtail his disciplinary issues, M'Vila can dominate games with his power, pace and technical ability.
Cost: M'Vila: £12 million ($19 million)
Wanyama: £15 million ($24 million)
Adrian Lopez (forward, Atletico Madrid): Arsenal have been linked with the likes of Klaas-Han Huntelaar, Demba Ba and David Villa. While the first two are now unavailable, the third is still up for grabs. However, knowing Wenger's preference for younger players, the Frenchman might be more tempted to buy the man tipped to be the next David Villa - Adrian Lopez, or simply Adrian as he is known across Spain.
Villa will cost Arsenal £16 million ($26 million), and Wenger is unlikely to pay that amount for a 31-year-old. Adrian can play across the frontline, and is an intelligent player, both capable of scoring goals and creating them.
Cost: £14 million ($22.5 million)
Frank Lampard (midfielder, Chelsea): Why not? Lampard is a born winner and while most Arsenal fans might not have much of a fondness for the 34-year-old, he clearly still has the drive and willingness to succeed, and more importantly score goals. He is out of contract in the summer, but is also available on a free transfer in January.
Cost: Free
Isco (winger, Malaga)/Zaha (winger, Crystal Palace): Arsenal could use with another out and out winger. Zaha is one of Wenger's top targets this season. He is English and tipped to have a bright future.
Isco is another talent that could be worth his weight in gold in the next couple of years. With Malaga still struggling financially, time might be ripe to go in for the Spanish youngster.
Cost: Isco: £17 million ($27 million)
Zaha: £15-20 million ($24-32 million)
So there it is then, my pick of players that would add to Arsenal for the rest of the season and beyond. Please feel free to post your own suggestions in the comments section below.
