Although Kieran Gibbs struggled for Arsenal in Saturday's 7-3 win over Newcastle, he is still regarded by Wenger as his left-back in the long term. Injuries, however, have slowed his progress and there are serious doubts about the defensive capabilities of Andre Santos in reserve. Arsenal have also recently scouted Everton left-back Leighton Baines.
Wenger does expect to be active this month and a bid of around £10 million is likely over the next week for Wilfried Zaha, the Crystal Palace striker. Zaha, an Arsenal fan, dropped a very clear hint on Sunday that he hoped to move to the Premier League in this January transfer window.
"To be honest, if I had the chance in January and Palace agreed, it's something I'd want," he said.
Arsenal would also like to sign a striker and have not given up hope on a potential deal for David Villa or Demba Ba. It would take an offer in the region of £15 million to sign Villa, although negotiations could be smoothed by the fact that Arsenal are still owed money from Barcelona for the sales of Cesc Fabregas and Alex Song.
Further contract negotiations with Theo Walcott will also influence Arsenal's dealings this month.
Walcott has scored four goals in three games since moving into a central striker's position and, should he stay, Wenger will feel that he may now have an internal solution for the void that has been left by Robin van Persie's departure to Manchester United.
Oxlade-Chamberlain on Monday praised Walcott for his "amazing" performance as the main central striker against Newcastle United on Saturday.
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