Arsenal Prepare January Move for German Midfielder Christoph Kramer

Arsenal have sent scouts to watch German international Christoph Kramer and are willing to make a move for the midfield anchorman in January, according to Goal.com.

The Gunners have made a defensive midfielder their top priority for the upcoming winter transfer window after failing to secure a deal with Sporting Lisbon for William Carvalho. Kramer is currently on loan at Borussia Monchengladbach from Bayer Leverkusen and is likely to be available for a fee in the range of £12m.

The midfielder is frustrated with life at Leverkusen, having failed to make a single start thus far for the senior team. The 23-year-old has spent four consecutive seasons on loan and has publicly expressed his desire to stay with Monchengladbach than extend his association with Leverkusen.

"In general, being involved in the football business is often like modern human trafficking. But for me, a contract can say whatever it wants. If I don't want to play somewhere next season, I won't play there. In the end, I will still decide where I play," he said.

Arsenal need a replacement for Mathieu Flamini and Mikel Arteta, who are both well past their prime and offer little in terms of protection to the back four. Arteta suffered a hamstring injury as the Gunners squandered a three-goal lead to draw the game 3-3 against Belgian club Anderlecht at home.

It was a disaster for Wenger, whose side had gained some momentum after winning three on the bounce in all competitions, including a last minute smash and grab against the Belgians in the reverse fixture. Goals from Alexis Sanchez, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Arteta secured three goals for the Gunners in the opening 60 minutes from where they should have sealed the game.

However, the injury to Arteta and Flamini's introduction, shattered the balance in midfield, which ultimately led to the visitors finding space between the lines and punishing the Gunners.