Wenger
Arsenal are not interested in a left back, according to Arsene Wenger. Reuters

The January transfer window is nearly shut, and Arsenal may have interest in addressing their lack of full backs.

According to The Sun, Arsenal will bid more than £2 million on Adrian Mariappa to fill in the glaring hole at full back. The 25-year-old has spent his entire career with Watford and is a vice captain.

Newcastle United are also interested in Mariappa, who can play either right back or centre back. Bacary Sagna is the regular starting right back, while Arsenal still have left backs Andre Santos and Kieran Gibbs sidelined.

Gibbs is back in full training on Monday, and [Thomas] Vermaelen can [also] play left back and he is fit. Santos will be fit in March, manager Arsene Wenger said recently.

Three left backs, plus Sagna - who can play there - is four. We are not [shopping for a] left back.

Metro recently reported that Fulham's Clint Dempsey alerted Arsenal of his interest to play in Champions League. The 28-year-old attacking midfielder has only 18 months remaining on his contrac. There had been reports that Arsenal were interested in Dempsey just before the summer transfer period ended.

Valued at roughly £10 million, Dempsey is a versatile midfielder and is capable of perhaps replacing Andrei Arshavin, who has struggled this season. Wenger hasn't shown much interest in American players in the past, and tends to emphasize adding young players to develop rather than more established ones.

Arsenal were also recently put on alert as Blackburn defender Scott Dann was interested in leaving the club. Liverpool have also been linked to the 24-year-old.