Five Midfield Gems Arsenal Could Sign To Help Ozil

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is set to be handed another treasure chest in preparation for the January transfer window.

His summer business went from a total failure to ultimate success with the deadline day signing of Mesut Ozil and the manager will be looking to follow this up in the winter. News that the midfielder may have a knee injury following his showing for Germany against Sweden during the international break will be a huge blow to the side that currently sit top of the Premier League table, but IBTimes UK has five signings that will make the club less reliant on their golden German and more capable of challenging for trophies once more.

1. Hernanes

News came through today that the Brazilian is still stalling on contract talks with Lazio and the two-footed playmaker could prove to be a great signing at a reasonable price for Wenger. The 28 year old helped his side to a seventh place finish in the Serie A last season and has admitted he would relish a move to Arsenal in the past. He could provide more depth in the midfield department easing the burden on Ozil and can be employed as either a playmaker or in a central attacking role.

2. Marco Reus

Although Reus is reportedly happy at Borussia Dortmund, with the side looking second best compared to Bayern Munich already he may be willing to take an exit route in January if Arsenal are challenging for trophies. Dortmund equally don't want to let go of the man who has become their centre-point in the midfield after Mario Gotze's exit but his €35m exit clause makes him affordable if Wenger is prepared to splash the cash once more. The chance to play alongside fellow Germany international Ozil won't be lost on the 24 year old either.

3. Javier Pastore

Javier Pastore has struggled for game time at Paris Saint Germain under Laurent Blanc and with Arsene Wenger reportedly liking the look of the Argentina international he could be ready to make a firm bid in order to beat fellow admirers Liverpool. After scoring seven times for PSG last season and helping the side win the Ligue 1 trophy he could become hot property as he continues to be unsatisfied with his participation in the side. Having cost the French club nearly €40m he wouldn't be cheap, but to link up with Ozil could create an unstoppable midfield pairing.

4. Yoann Gourcuff

A fan of a Frenchman full of potential, playmaker Gourcuff has long been on Wenger's list of possible targets. His move to Lyon from Bordeaux in 2010 allowed the 27 year old to demonstrate his ability and as a regular in the France squad he already knows some of his possible future Arsenal teammates. Gourcuff has admitted he would love to join the Gunners and would be willing to take a pay cut to make the move happen, and with that in mind could be another target as Wenger builds on the depth of his midfield.

5. Miralem Pjanic

If Arsenal can acquire Spurs target Pjanic in the winter it would serve as a double boost for fans who felt cheated when the north London side lost out on Lewis Holtby to their bitter rivals last January. The Roma midfielder has starred in the Serie A since his move to the club in 2011 and came close to joining the Gunners before he made his move there from Lyon. Wenger clearly likes the 23 year old and although he would reportedly cost around £15m after joining Roma for just £9m.