ARSENAL TRANSFER NEWS: Clint Dempsey Linked to the Gunners

Despite a plethora of injuries to key players and a lack of inspiring play from reserves, Arsenal have been noticeably inactive in the transfer market as the January window comes to a close.

The Gunners were able to bring back famed forward Thierry Henry from New York for an encore at Emirates, but manager Arsene Wenger has so far failed to address the lingering shortage of full backs, as well as an additional midfielder as Jack Wilshere remains sidelined.

While Henry may have offered Arsenal a boost on loan, Metro has reported on another player with American ties being linked to the Gunners.

Texas-born attacking midfielder Clint Dempsey reportedly alerted Arsenal of his interest to play in Champions League. The 28-year-old Fulham star has only 18 months remaining on his contract, and there was some rather tepid speculation of a move to Arsenal this past summer when just about everyone was linked to Emirates.

Valued at roughly £10 million, Dempsey is a versatile midfielder and is capable of perhaps replacing Andrei Arshavin, whose days are probably numbered with the club. Wenger hasn't shown much interest in American players in the past, and tends to emphasize adding young players to develop rather than more established ones.

However, Dempsey might be an attractive option for the Gunners. In his last three games, he has two hat tricks and has scored 15 goals in 29 matches this season. After four years with the Cottagers, Dempsey may be due for a move to a more competitive club.

Fulham have 26 team points after 22 Premier League matches. The Cottagers are in 12th place but are within striking distance of the eighth spot.

Fifth-place Arsenal are challenging London nemesis Chelsea for a spot in the Champions League, and are 10 points behind local rival Tottenham, who are in third place.