Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas is out injured until early April. Who should Wenger buy to cover for his captain?

Xabi Alonso

How ironic is it that Arsenl are looking at bringing in the man who injured Fabregas in the first place?

Overlooking this strange coincidence though, let's not forget that the Gunners had already signaled their interest in Alonso even before the season began, when Liverpool were looking to offload the Spaniard to accommodate Gareth Barry in their team.

Already playing together for Spain at international level, Fabregas has stated in the past that he would enjoy linking up with his compatriot at Arsenal.

With his keen eye for goal and accurate distribution all around the pitch, Alonso would be a good fit into Arsenal's playing system.

Yaya Toure

Arsenal are looking to raid Barcelona for players again, this time for their unsettled midfielder Yaya Toure.

The Ivory Coast man has been strongly linked wth a Camp Nou exit and the Gunners are looking to capitalise on the situation as they seek a replacement for Fabregas.

Able to play as a defensive or central midfielder, Toure is equally adept at attacking.

Having played in many games at the highest level (Primera Liga, Champions League etc), he could provide some much-needed experience to Arsenal's young team in big match environments.

Besides, Toure would enjoy linking up with older brother Kolo at Arsenal.

Andrei Arshavin

The Russian has made no secret of his desire to leave Zenit St. Petersburg ever since Euro 2008 ended.

After failed attempts to join Barcelona and Tottenham earlier this season, Wenger could see the January transfer window as a prime opportunity to get someone of Arshavin's quality to join the Gunners.

The want-away player may not be a like-for-like replacement for Fabregas, the Russian typically playing as a forward and the Spaniard being a central midfielder.

However, his creative playmaking ability and knack for scoring important goals, would make up for Fabregas' absence as Arsenal seek to recover from their recent poor Premier League form.

He would not come cheap though as Zenit have priced Arshavin at £20 million (US$29 million), making it difficult for the Gunners to follow up on their interest.

But, never say never right?

Jon Obi Mikel

Chelsea's earmarked replacement for their defensive midfielder role, after Claude Makelele's depature.

Still only 21 years of age, Mikel's versatility means he can play in either central or defensive midfield, depending on the flow of the match.

Also, given Arsenal's policy of grooming young talents for the future, they can choose to go for the tough-tackling Nigerian to stabilise their midfield and shield the back four when they attack and play their short passing game.

However, Chelsea would be unwilling to sell in January.

Also, given the legal tussle between the Blues and Manchester United over Mikel's contract a while back, this option seems too improbable even if the Gunners somehow manage to stump up enough cash to buy him.

Didier Zokora

A less costly option for Wenger could be Tottenham's Didier Zokora, who has also attracted the attention of former Spurs coach Juande Ramos, now at Real Madrid, before he turned them down.

Usually seen playing in a withdrawn defensive role in central midfield, the Ivorian will provide a degree of steel in Arsenal's midfield and give the Gunners some much needed cover and bite against opponents.

Also, Zokora, being 28, will bring some experience to a young Arsenal side.

What do you think?

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