ARSENAL TRANSFER NEWS: Bridge, Tiote and Benzema Linked to the Gunners

Arsenal continue to be at the center of transfer discussion leading up to the January window.

It's not a secret that the Gunners are thin at full-back as Andre Santos, Kieran Gibbs, and Bacary Sagna are sidelined for an extended period. Arsenal are back in the hunt for a top-four finish as the club took advantage of a rather weak December schedule.

The next three months should be more challenging as the Gunners will have matches against Manchester United, Tottenham, Liverpool, and Newcastle, as well as a more difficult Champions League schedule with a Round-of-16 encounter with AC Milan, along with FA Cup matches.

Arsene Wenger is aware how the mounting injuries may impact the club, and hasn't ruled out a loan.

We are starting to look at players if Gibbs is not back, said Wenger this week.

The most notable name to be brought up is Wayne Bridge. The 31-year-old left back has made just 58 appearance for Manchester City in three years, and some have called into question his speed and defensive skills. Arsenal may consider adding Bridge despite his shortcomings, even though Wenger denied showing interest.

I haven't made any inquiry yet for Wayne Bridge or anyone else, Wenger said.

Wenger also said that he is not interested in Gary Cahill, who seems to be far less in demand in January than he was in August.

Meanwhile, Cheik Tiote continues to be liked to Arsenal by the British press. According to Daily Mail, Liverpool and Manchester United are also reportedly interested in the 25-year-old Newcastle midfielder.

Metro reported that struggling forward Marouane Chamakh is expected to return to Ligue 1, while Arsenal may make a bid on Wigan forward Hugo Rodallega. The 26-year-old Colombian rarely plays 90 minutes, and only has two assists and has not scored this season. Prior to playing for Wigan, Rodallega had scored 25 goals in 53 matches for Necaxa, in the Mexican league.

Earlier this month, Daily Mail cited Spain sources that Karim Benzema is an Arsenal target, and that Wenger has put the French striker at the top of his hit list. Benzema has been in good form for Real Madrid this season, so it seems unlikely that Arsenal will get a good deal for him in January, and Wenger likes a bargain.

The big fish for January is still Lukas Podolski. The £15 million-rated striker could serve as an excellent addition to the Gunners. Podolski is having a strong season with Koln, and he would help ease pressure off of Robin van Persie.