Arsene Wenger managed to provide Arsenal with the much-needed defensive reinforcement of Gabriel Paulista during the January transfer window, but it’s fair to say the Gunners’ squad is still a few players short of challenging for the Premier League title.

Most obviously, a behemoth defensive midfielder needs to be attained.

French newspaper L’Equipe reports that Morgan Schneiderlin is set to leave Southampton at the end of the season (h/t Jack De Menezes of The Independent). De Menezes believes he will “snub” Tottenham and Manchester United “in order to join Arsenal.”

Wenger is reportedly eyeing a new contract for Francis Coquelin, reported by Gianluca Di Marzio of Sky Italia, so he may step in more permanently if Schneiderlin cannot be lured. Krystian Bielik’s arrival may also see the combative midfield role filled in the future. B/R UK’s Ryan Bailey believes Arsenal missed a trick when failing to land Schneiderlin in January, however:

Eurosport suggests Celtic defender Virgil van Dijk, who continues to be linked with Wenger‘s side, “appears happy to stay until the summer.” Another potential target is Edinson Cavani, who Arsenal are reportedly ready to “wait” for, according to Lee Hurley of the Metro.

Wenger worked well to address squad concerns during January, noted below:

Lukas Podolski‘s departure is likely to be followed up with a permanent move, reported by James McNicholas in his article for ESPN FC. The German forward has made it clear he doesn’t intend on returning, saying, “I knew I had to move” after scoring two against Galatasaray and then being benched earlier in the season, per Sky Sports.

He rarely received the opportunity to play in his favoured central attacking role while at the Emirates. The summer arrival of Alexis Sanchez and Danny Welbeck indicated Podolski was surplus to requirements and perhaps only maintained while Theo Walcott battled with injury. He is yet to score in six appearances for Inter Milan, per WhoScored.com, but is at least getting a consistent run of playing time.

This is also the thinking behind the temporary departures of Joel Campbell and Yaya Sanogo, two potential stars who need to challenge themselves against the best. Wenger did well to secure a Premier League loan for the latter, who has the potential to be an excellent acquisition for Crystal Palace.

Questions continue to be asked of Campbell, however, as he embarks on a fourth loan stint away from the Premier League in as many years.

Arsenal supporters will likely be pleased with the side’s winter work. Wenger‘s signings certainly outpoint last year’s only deal, which saw an injured Kim Kallstrom head to the Emirates on loan. Arsenal’s play continues to improve, highlighted by the win over Manchester City and thrashing of Aston Villa, so the squad is in an excellent position to be successful this season.

A deep run in the Champions League and third in the domestic division would amount to a fantastic year for the side. Wenger has plenty of work to do in the summer—plugging that midfield remains a priority—but his January groundwork has Arsenal moving in the right direction.

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