This season has thus far seen the Gunners far exceed everyone’s expectations, including their own. Arsene Wenger’s men were thought to be too young to compete for a Premiership or Champions League Title, and yet the lads are in the thick of the race for both. Still, it is worth some take to take a look ahead at what could possibly occur during the January transfer window.

With the recent announcement that Arsenal is essentially rich beyond measure, Wenger should have whatever funds he should demand for transfers. In the past, however, Wenger has refused to spend a great deal of money for players and has preferred to make unheralded signings on young and developing players. Now that it is sure he has the money, will he make significant upgrades during the January transfer window?

A centre back is sorely needed for depth, as well as possibly another striker and goalkeeper, but the squad that was supposedly too thin for pundits during the preseason suddenly seems too full for comfort. Adding one or two players could upset the brilliant chemistry that has unquestionably helped the young side thus far.

Possible exits:

Jens Lehmann – The German goalkeeper is the most obvious candidate for a move away from the Emirates. The enigmatic Lehmann lost his place to Manuel Almunia after an injury but cost the Gunners two points away to Blackburn with poor play. He is desparate for regular action but is unlikely to regain his spot so long as Almunia keeps up his run of good form. Add to that Lehmann’s distractions off the field, lamenting about a lack of playing time and calling into question Almunia’s mental makeup, make the German a prime target for a winter move. Odds on Lehmann departing: 2 to 1.

Gilberto Silva – The Brazilian international has been a surprise omission from Wenger’s rotation thus far this season. Due to Mathieu Flamini’s excellent form, Silva’s lack of playing time is likely to continue. In fact, the only time the Brazilian has gotten regular minutes with the first eleven was when William Gallas went down with an injury. Silva filled in admirably, but his future is not as a centre back. And, whilst he has been a model citizen in the locker room and has not complained a la Lehmann, it is difficult to envision Gilberto returning to the regular eleven without an injury. Having said that, Wenger is too smart to let him depart in January, for his veteran leadership is vital for the young squad and his presence can always be called upon to fill in late in games (like at Anfield). Odds on Gilberto departing: 10 to 1.

Possible targets:

Obafemi Martins – The Nigerian wonder-scorer has been a popular name in transfer rumors since his arrival at Newcastle. Martins does possess a superb mixture of strength and speed and has a knack for goals in big games. While Newcastle has said all the right things in regards to keeping Martins, it just seems that he can be had for the right price. Should Robin Van Persie’s injury linger somewhat longer than expected, the likelihood of Martins coming to the Emirates would increase, since he would fit in well with Arsenal’s style of play. However, with the emergence of Theo Walcott and Eduardo da Silva alongside Emmanuel Adebayor and even Nicklas Bendtner, a move for the Nigerian seems unlikely. Odds on Martins arriving: 20 to 1.

Wesley Sneijder – The Dutchman has been repeatedly wooed by Van Persie and his style would fit in supremely well with Arsenal, yet Sneijder would be a hot commodity. Since joining Real Madrid, the Dutchman has lit both his country and club on fire, scoring stunning goals and inspiring both. Were Real to consider departing with the midfield playmaker, it would only be for Cesc Fabregas, and Wenger hopes to delay the young Spaniard’s move back to his mother country as long as possible. Odds on Sneijder arriving: 40 to 1.

Micah Richards – The Manchester City youngster has been in a great run of form lately up until his knee injury during Carling Cup play on October 31. His combination of athletic ability, speed, and physicality remind many of Kolo Toure. Moreover, with the latter’s expected absence at the African Nations Cup during the winter, Richards would fit in perfectly alongside Gallas. Add that to the fact that the young Englishman proclaimed a desire to eventually play for his boyhood favorites, the Gunners, and this seems to be the perfect fit. However, City will hang on for dear life to their young prodigy, and it will be almost impossible to pry him away with their current standing in the table. This move seems more likely to occur during the offseason, if not several years from now. Still, if and when it does happen, he will fit into an Arsenal shirt perfectly. Odds on Richards arriving (in January): 20 to 1.

Overall, while speculating on players arriving in is amusing, it is next to impossible to predict who Wenger will bring in next. He will let every reasonable and high profile name pass, and then pick up Bacary Sagna, who steps right in at right back and performs brilliantly. Wenger is not likely to bring in any player on this list during the January window, but he will need to bring in someone for centre back depth. Philippe Senderos still seems more like Pascal Cygan than Tony Adams, and Gavin Hoyte is still practically in diapers. Having said all this, odds that Wenger brings no one in and slots Gilberto in during Toure’s absence: 3 to 4.