Wenger Won't Buy Any Defenders In January

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is reluctant to splash out cash during the January transfer window.

The Gunners will be without first-choice center back Kolo Toure for large parts of January and February due to the African Cup of Nations, and it was speculated that the Arsenal manager would purchase a short-term replacement for the Ivorian in January.

However, it now seems as though Wenger will recall Johann Djourou from a loan at Birmingham and settle for three central defenders - William Gallas, Philippe Senderos, and Djourou.

"Kolo Toure goes off to the African Nations Cup shortly and we may lose Alex Song for it as well," said the Arsenal boss.

"Even with Johan Djourou returning from Birmingham we would then be left with three specialist center-backs.

"If I signed another one we'd have too many after the African Nations. Sometimes you just have to suffer during the tournament and let your players play."

Philippe Senderos apparently thinks he is ready for the increased amount of playing time, but Arsenal fans who have become accustomed to his frequent errors will not feel the same way.

"It could be a big opportunity for me to go in there and show what I can do," said Senderos.

"I believe I've already shown what I'm capable of but this could be a big chance to come into the team for a while.

"It would be a good time to come in as well - we are playing great football, winning games, and I'm ready for the challenge."

Arsenal Rumors: Micah Richards

Micah Richards has stated that he would join Arsenal if he were given the chance. The 19 year-old Manchester City defender says that he was an Arsenal supporter when he was younger and that he wouldn't mind joining the ranks of brilliant young gunners.

"I was a big Ian Wright fan when I was younger, so I supported Arsenal," Richards said. "Wright and Patrick Vieira were my idols so yeah, if the opportunity came to play for them one day I'd take it.

"But right now I'm concentrating on trying to keep City in the top half, and we've got the players to do it."

Center back is one of the few positions in which I feel Arsenal need improvement, and Micah Richards would be the perfect candidate to shore up our defense.

At the tender age of 19 Micah Richards has already played fifty games for City, and has seven England caps. He is a strong, versatile defender, and his team spirit is evidenced by the fact that he has already captained the Manchester City side in the absence of Richard Dunne.

Richards would cost a fine sum to bring to Arsenal, but he would be a great replacement for Kolo Toure when the Ivorian leaves for the African Cup of Nations. Without Richards, we would be stuck with only William Gallas, Philippe Senderos, and Johann Djourou at center back. Of these Gallas is the only player deserving of a starting spot, and Richards would therefore be a great addition. Richards would make a great partner for any of our central defenders, thanks to his strength and spirit.

The Manchester City defender has the talent to become one of the best in the world. I say that with Arsenal being the second richest club in the world, and Arsene Wenger's reportedly huge warchest, we would do well to pick up Micah Richards in January no matter his price.