Oh January, the transfer window that always seems to throw up late additions.

We’re now closing in on the deadline, and although signings have been, shall we say, small scale so far for Arsenal, there is time on the clock and potential for ‘the big one’.

Last year brought... Kim Kallstrom, but Gunners fans everywhere will be hoping for special arrivals to kick-start their top four quest, and here is how we think the club’s XI could look in February in a dream scenario...

Petr Cech

An unlikely one, admittedly, but a move for Cech would be a dream one for many Gunners fans. The Czech Republic international has been linked with a stunning move across London from Chelsea to Arsenal, and although a summer deal looks more likely, even the faintest glimmer of a swoop before the window closes is music to fans at the Emirates Stadium’s ears. With Wojciech Szczesny not exactly flavour of the month at the club, Cech’s experience would be a massive benefit.

Mathieu Debuchy

Injured and shifted to the centre of defence for much of this season, Arsenal haven’t really seen the best of Debuchy in his natural role this term. The Frenchman is an exciting attacking force and a solid influence heading towards his own goal, and Arsene Wenger is likely to relish the chance of getting him into just that position for the remainder of the season.

Gabriel Paulista

The Villarreal man’s arrival looks nailed on, with Arsenal and the Spanish club having all but sealed the deal. The Brazilian centre-back will be a welcome addition to the Gunners’ squad, with the sale of Thomas Vermaelen over the summer having exposed a real lack of depth at the heart of Wenger’s rearguard. With Per Metrtesacker’s mobility an issue against some of the Premier League’s more nimble attackers, Paulista could play a big role for the Gunners.

Laurent Koscielny

Very much a fans’ favourite nowadays, the French centre-back is a vital player at the Emirates Stadium.

Classy on the ball, solid at the back and increasingly influential around the club, keeping ‘Kos’ fit for the remainder of the season could be vital in Arsenal’s top four hopes. Wenger will surely look to get as many minutes as possible from the ex-Lorient man over the coming months.

Kieran Gibbs

Arsenal’s top left-back when fit and firing, Gibbs is a useful tool going forward for the Gunners.

Not always the most reliable of players defensively, Wenger does appreciate the skills of Gibbs, whose deficiencies could well be masked by some better play at the heart of the defence and greater support from the winger in front of him through any 90 minutes.

Asier Illarramendi

‘The new Xabi Alonso’, links between Arsenal and the classy Spanish passer began to surface last week. Good on the ball, adept at both short and long passing and relatively adept at shielding his own back line, the Real Madrid man could be a wise long-term addition for Wenger, who has shown in the past that he loves midfielders of Illarramendi’s skill set.

A summer move is said to be more likely, but the slim prospect of a deal being agreed over the coming week and a bit is exciting for Gunners fans.

Ilkay Gundogan

Another silky ball-playing midfielder to be linked with Arsenal is Dortmund’s Gundogan.

The Germany international has been one of BVB’s star names over the course of the past few years and is now back in action after a lengthy injury lay-off – which ruined his 2013/14 campaign.

Although not the orthodox ’holder’ Arsenal are believed to be in need of, Gundogan offers creativity and goal, which is always of use!

Alexis Sanchez

No Arsenal team will be complete without the Chilean star!

Sanchez has been simply fantastic since his summer arrival from Barcelona, fully justifying the fee of over £30m paid for him and the lengths Wenger went to to keep Liverpool’s interest at bay.

The all-action attacker has already won games on his own for the Gunners, and can slot in anywhere across the frontline.

Aaron Ramsey

That goal alone against Galatasaray justifies Ramsey over Jack Wilshere for us. The Welshman has also been impressive in terms of passing and creativity over the course of the past few seasons, with his recovery from that horror leg break having been, thankfully, good thus far. Wenger clearly admires his midfield star, whose ability to support the attack, but also track back, important in the Gunners’ fluid way of playing.

Santi Cazorla

Santi has been simply excellent in recent weeks. The Spaniard’s showing in the Manchester City win was breathtaking with his composure from the spot and ability to whip in a mean ball from set-piece situations having been vital in the victory.

Although the pace may not be there, Cazorla’s footballing brain allows him to drift into the right pockets of space, while his neat feat are useful in and around the box.

Edinson Cavani

The rumour that just won’t go away! It seems that every week the Gunners are linked with PSG’s Cavani, who is happy one day, then agitating for a move the next. Recent reports suggest that the summer may be the time to get the silky forward, yet January is known for late shocks and panic buys, so there remains the possibility of a late deal for Cavani.