ARSENAL TRANSFER NEWS: Podolski, Ederzito, Tiote and Henry on Wenger's Radar?

With the January transfer period less than two weeks away, Arsenal may be one of the more active Premier League clubs as the Gunners look to climb the table.

Arsenal are in need of at least one defender with several players sidelined. The Gunners have been using centre backs as full backs as Andre Santos, Bacary Sagna, Kieran Gibbs, and Carl Jenkinson remain sidelined.

Arsenal could also use an upgrade at reserve striker as Marouane Chamakh continues to struggle. Several clubs outside the Premier League have reportedly inquired about the Moroccan, and Chamakh's former club Bordeaux have shown interest in making a bid of £7 million or more.

The amount the Gunners can get from Chamakh can be applied to other areas, though Arsenal already have a heavy war chest following the departures of Cesc Fabregas, Samir Nasri, and others. More than likely, Arsenal will not be making any record bids this winter, though there are some notable names on their radar.

The most prominent potential target remains Lukas Podolski. Last week, Daily Mail reported that Arsene Wenger was weighing a £15 million January bid for the Koln striker. At age 26, Podolski would be an excellent addition to the squad and would be an insurance policy against Robin van Persie departing should he not re-sign when his contract ends in 2013. The Sun reported that Manchester City would offer £41.6 million for the Dutch star in the summer.

Should Arsenal not make a bid on Podolski, the club could bring back a familiar face playing across the Atlantic. According to Daily Telegraph, Arsenal are considering bringing back Thierry Henry on loan. The veteran French striker had an uneven spell with New York, but might be a decent forward option considering the lack of playing time Chu Young Park has been receiving, as well as the poor form Chamakh has displayed.

Perhaps a more reasonable target is Ederzito Lopes, who plays for Academia in Portuguese Liga. The People reported that the Guinea-born striker, who turns 24 next week, would be available to Arsenal in the summer as his contract ends at the end of the season.

The Gunners will likely welcome back Jack Wilshere in February, but may still consider adding another midfielder. Arsenal, along with Chelsea, Manchester United, and Tottenham, might be in the hunt for Cheick Tiote. According to Daily Mail, Newcastle manager Alan Pardew has admitted he may lose the 25-year-old midfielder in January.