January is going to be an important month for Arsenal in terms of their prospects for the second half of the season.

Not only are the Gunners without several key players through injury at the moment - Mesut Ozil and Hector Bellerin have particularly been missed - but their squad simply isn't good enough.

It's in defence where the biggest problems lie as Arsenal have conceded 31 goals in 21 Premier League games thus far - at least 10 more than any of the top four.

They also lack options out wide, which is why manager Unai Emery is targeting wingers and a new centre-back in the winter transfer window.

Speaking after Saturday's 3-0 win over Blackpool in the FA Cup, Emery explained that he is looking into potential signings that will improve his side.

"I think the club is working to take some players who can help us during these next four months," the Spaniard said, per the Daily Mail.

"Maybe the transfer market can help us with a centre-back, but it's not easy because [Konstantinos] Mavropanos is coming back after injury.

"Also a winger, right or left. One player can help us in this position."

When it comes to centre-backs Arsenal haven't been linked with too many names, but it's been claimed that Emery wants to bring Barcelona midfielder Denis Suarez to north London.

Emery worked with Suarez at Sevilla and now that the 25-year-old is out of favour in Spain, he's looking to make his move.

And according to the Evening Standard, Barcelona could be open to doing business with Arsenal over a January move.

But as ever, there's a problem.

Arsenal want Suarez on loan until the end of the season, but Barca are demanding they pay £20m to make the switch permanent in the summer. Arsenal, however, haven't got the money.

Emery has reportedly asked the club's board to stump up the £20m in order to complete the signing of Suarez, which is highly unlikely.

Whether the Spanish manager will get his wish remains to be seen, but he's also made it clear that he views Suarez as someone who can play on the wing.

Emery added after the Blackpool game: "He (Suarez) was playing in his career, and with me also, as a right or left winger."