Arsenal Transfer Rumors: Podolski, Tiote and Shaw Linked to Gunners

With the January transfer window ever so closer, reports have picked up regarding Arsenal's potential purchases.

German international Lukas Podoloski has been linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium from the summer transfer window and the Daily Mail has reported that the club's scouts will watch the player on Friday, with manager Arsene Wenger considering a £15 million move for the Cologne star.

Arsenal are currently heavily reliant on Robin van Persie, whose scintillating form this season has gained a handful of points for the North-London side. However, Wenger wants to ease the pressure on the Dutchman and a high profile signing like Podolski could give him one of the most potent striking partnerships in England.

The 26-year-old has scored 14 goals in 15 games for Cologne so far this season. He has 18 months remaining in his contract with Cologne, but is frustrated at not being able to play Champions League football and recently admitted he is looking to move abroad.

With Marouane Chamakh set for the African Cup of Nations in January, Wenger will be short of options up front and Podolski would be the ideal signing both in terms of quality as well as longevity.

Elsewhere, Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew has admitted that he could lose Cheick Tiote in January, with Arsenal considered as a potential suitor for the Ivoirian midfielder.

Tiote has been a huge figure for the Tyneside club and is an integral part of the team. But as with Andy Carroll last season, Pardew admitted that the player could move despite their attempts to keep him.

You never know with the window - it's such a minefield of possibilities, he said. I think I've learned from the Andy Carroll situation and outside of Manchester City, every club has a player that is vulnerable.

We have one or two players here that top clubs, I'm sure, would be interested in.

Cheick is a big target because he's a great player and great players will be targeted. We value him very highly here and I think, on my part, I expect him to stay.

But that does not mean to say something might not come out of the fire. If he did go, it would have to be for a silly price.

The Daily mail has also reported that Arsenal have moved forward in their attempts to lure Southampton wonder-kid Luke Shaw.

The 16-year-old is regarded as one of the brightest prospects in the country and was involved in the Saints' 7-0 win over Sheffield United in the FA Youth Cup on Tuesday.