ARSENAL are in desperate need of midfield cover after losing Francis Coquelin to injury.
Coquelin sustained ligament damage during Arsenal's 2-1 loss to West Brom last weekend and could be out until the end of January.
Manager Arsene Wenger yesterday suggested he would dip into the transfer market to cover for Coquelin.
He also insisted his squad can cope with the loss of their French star.
So who will fill in during Coquelin's absence and who is on Wenger's list of potential recruits? News News Blog Sport takes a look at the candidates…
COVER
Mathieu Flamini
The obvious choice to take over for the time being is Frenchman Flamini. The defensive midfielder was Arsenal's first choice when he returned to the club in 2013 but has lost his place to Coquelin.
Flamini has made six appearances for the Gunners this term and replaced Coquelin at the Hawthorns on Saturday.
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| Arsene Wenger insists defender Calum Chambers can play the midfield role |
Calum Chambers
Wenger himself suggested defender Chambers can play a more forward role if Arsenal are desperate.
"We have players that play in Coquelin's position like Mathieu Flamini and others that can play in his position like Calum Chambers," the boss said.
"Sometimes it is an opportunity for others to show they can do the job."
Chambers could start for Arsenal against Dinamo Zagreb in the Champions League tonight.
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| Santi Cazorla (left) and Mikel Arteta could both cover in defensive midfield |
Mikel Arteta
More of a central midfielder than deep-lying, Spaniard Arteta at least has the discipline to remain in his position and not go wandering up the field.
Whether the 33-year-old's legs can handle the demands of protecting Arsenal's defence is another question, however.
Santi Cazorla
He may be one of Arsenal's most creative talents but Cazorla has proven capable of dropping back and during up the midfield over the past year.
Wenger is unlikely to utilise Cazorla further back unless absolutely required.
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| Lars Bender is reportedly on Arsene Wenger's radar |
TRANSFER TARGETS
Lars Bender
It emerged today that Arsenal are keen to sign Bayer Leverkusen ace Bender, whose ability to sit back enables his club side to throw men forward.
Bender, 26, would be a big signing of intent for title-chasing Arsenal and Wenger would have to keep both the German and Coquelin happy once the latter regained full fitness.
According to the Daily Mail Arsenal have tried and failed in the past to land Bender and this option may be too expensive for the boss.
William Carvalho
Another man Arsenal have reportedly trailed for months is Carvalho, who at 23 is one of the best players to come out of Portuguese league in recent years.
Sporting Lisbon have so far succeeded in blocking bids for Carvalho but are understood to be realistic about their chances of keeping him in the long term.
The Angolan-born Portugal international has played just seven games this season and would also cost Arsenal a hefty January fee.
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| Sevilla value Grzegorz Krychowiak (right) at £32m |
Grzegorz Krychowiak
If Bender and Carvalho are seen as expensive targets than Sevilla's reported £32million valuation of Krychowiak certainly seems out of Wenger's price range for the winter.
The Arsenal boss rarely spends big as it is and mega January arrivals are almost unheard of.
At 25, Krychowiak would put Coquelin's first-team future into doubt should he arrive at the Emirates.
Yet there are rumblings of Arsenal interest and a move may be agreed with Sevilla if the fee is right.
Lucas Biglia
Arsenal must push hard if they want to prise Biglia off Lazio - at least this winter.
The Rome club are desperate to cling on to their captain, whose agent in recent days has discussed his future.
Manchester United and Liverpool are known suitors of the ace but the Daily Mail claim Arsenal are keen as well.
It appears as though Argentina international Biglia, 29, will be seeking a new club next summer and Lazio will not countenance a sale before then.
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