ARSENAL TRANSFER NEWS: Taiwo, Alex, Faurlin, Anin and Biglia Linked to Gunners

With the January transfer period looming, Arsenal continue to be at the center of the speculation by the British press.

The London club has pressing needs due to injuries. Left back Andre Santos is expected to be out for three months with an ankle injury, and right back Bacary Sagna isn't expected to return until February.

Kieran Gibbs, the first-choice left back going into the season, continues to be injury-plagued. Reserve right back Carl Jenkinson has back problems, but might return by January.

Metro has linked Arsenal to Taye Taiwo. The 26-year-old AC Milan left back is also coveted by Newcastle, and would likely be loaned to a Premier League club if he were to move from the San Siro in January.

Last week, Daily Star reported that the Gunners were interested in Chelsea's Alex. The Brazilian defender was rated at about £10 million over the summer.

Arsene Wenger may also look to bolster the midfield, as Jack Wilshere remains sidelined. Queens Park Rangers' star Alejandro Faurlin is linked to Emirates, according to Daily Mirror, and the Argentine midfielder is also on Tottenham's radar.

The Guardian reported that Sochaux midfielder Kévin Anin and Anderlecht defensive midfielder Luca Biglia might be Arsenal targets. Biglia was linked to Emirates by The Times in July following a rough campaign with Argentina in Copa America.

While Arsenal have perhaps the world's best striker at the moment in Robin van Persie, Wenger is aware that he may need to strengthen the attack.

We lose players like Marouane Chamakh and Gervinho to the Africa Cup of Nations, he said this week to Arsenal supporters.

Chamakh appears to be on his way out of Emirates either way. The Morrocan has been linked to many clubs recently, and Daily Mail reported that he has hinted about a return to Bordeaux.

Koln forward Lukas Podolski continues to be a great option for the Gunners. He has been in form this season in the Bundesliga, and at age 26, he is in his prime. With van Persie still without a contract extension, Podolski could provide insurance against losing the Dutch star in 2013.

Podolski is valued at £20 million, and multiple publications have linked him to the Gunners.