3 European superstars who could join Arsenal in January

With Arsenal facing a recent dip in form, Arsene Wenger could look to improve his current side during the winter transfer window.

The Gunners have suffered two straight defeats following their brilliance at the start of the season and they now find themselves in third place, a point off leaders Liverpool.

Wenger has often opted to keep his cheque book closed during the winter window, but the club have been linked with a host of players in recent weeks.

Here is a look at three players Arsenal could make a move for come January.

Diego Costa – Atletico Madrid

Wenger could spend as much as £32 million on Atletico Madrid striker Diego Costa in the winter transfer window, according to the Mirror.

The Arsenal boss has long been linked with the highly-rated Brazilian goal machine as he searches for a striker to share the burden with French star Olivier Giroud.

Costa has been on a hot streak in this season’s La Liga campaign and is currently the division’s top scorer on 19 goals, ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.

The 25-year-old has converted 38.8% of his attempted shots – a fantastic rate – as well as creating 27 chances in total.

There is no doubting Costa’s ability, the only question is whether he will fit into the current system at the Emirates Stadium.

With Atletico he currently plays in a 4-4-2 formation, in a strike partnership alongside David Villa. At Arsenal he would be expected to play as a lone forward considering the wealth of midfield players available to Wenger. He may need time to adapt to this new role.

Iker Casillas – Real Madrid

Iker Casillas is another Spaniard being linked with Arsenal ahead of the January window, with the Metro reporting a potential move.

Although Wojciech Szczesny has been in fine form this season, Wenger has long wanted an experienced head between the sticks, something the 32-year-old would no doubt provide.

Casillas has been relegated to the Madrid bench in recent times, having failed to make an appearance this season, and could be looking to leave the Bernabeu with a place in Spain’s World Cup squad potentially in the balance.

Casillas Saves Per Game: La Liga 2012/13

Madrid’s number two kept eight clean sheets last season, in 19 matches, having made an average of 1.58 saves per match. He also won four ‘best’ awards for keeper of the week.

He could provide the perfect competition for Szczesny, with a move in January suiting all parties involved.

Fabian Schar – FC Basel

The Gunners have been strongly linked with a move for right back Fabian Schar in recent weeks after his eye-catching performances in the Champions League.

The Swiss international played in all six of the club’s European matches, finishing the group stages as Basel’s top performer with a score of 143 points. His side overcome Chelsea twice in this phase of the competition, with Schar playing admirably in both fixtures.

Schar Duels Won: CL 2013/14

Schar completed an average of 12 defensive actions per match, winning 19 of his attempted 32 tackles. He also won 57% of his total headed duels.

With the Gunners one serious injury away from looking threadbare, the 21-year-old could provide the perfect cover with a move in January.

The Metro believe he would be available for around £6 million, with Dortmund and Inter Milan also interested in securing his signature.