Reports are suggesting that Arsene Wenger is preparing to make a move for Manchester City’s Joleon Lescott this January, which could be funded by the possible eight-figure sum departure of Denilson to Steve McLaren’s Wolfsburg.

Several reports in Germany claim that the 22-year-old is a supposed target for the Bundersliga side, who are prepared to offer as much as £12 million for his services when the transfer window re-opens. It seems that the Arsenal boss is willing to let the industrious midfielder leave the North London club, after failing to see any further development in the Brazilian midfielder.

The penny-wise Wenger is reluctant to spend any cash this winter, after admitting a few weeks ago that he will not be reinforcing his squad with new arrivals. However, if the Frenchman can pull off a great deal for Denilson and make a huge profit, then he would be prepared to reinvest the cash immediately with a move for out-of-favour City defender Joleon Lescott.

The 28-year-old centre-back moved to Manchester City from Everton in 2009, but has found it difficult to cement a first-team place since the switch. The former Everton man wants to be playing regular football in order to revive his career, as it appears his time at star-studded City has finally run out. However, with the probable injection of £12 million from the Denilson sale, is Joleon Lescott really the man Wenger should be splashing this cash on in January?

There is no doubt that Arsenal could do with another centre-back in their squad, despite acquiring two new ones in the summer. The defensive line has been questioned on a number of occasions already this season and continues to be, as it were Arsenal’s chronic Achilles heel. The long-term injury to Thomas Vermaelen has certainly not helped Wenger’s cause in the past months. However, many Arsenal fans still believe that when Vermaelen does return to action he will need to be partnered with a dominant centre-back, and let’s face it, we don’t have another one in our ranks at the moment.

I’m glad to hear that Denilson could be offloaded for £12 million this January, and personally very surprised Wolfsburg are willing to offer the amount reported. The Brazilian has become a back-up player for the North London club since the emergence of Jack Wilshere and looks to stay as one if he does not move this winter.

In all honesty, Denilson is not needed anymore as we also have youngsters Craig Eastmond and Emmanuel Frimpong showing signs that they could one day be in contention for a first-team place. Wenger should definitely cash in on the midfielder and spend the money on a much needed centre-back. However, targeting Lescott with the funds from the midfielder would not be the right move on Wenger’s part. Although Lescott is a good defender, the Englishman has become injury-prone, and quite frankly, in my opinion, not good enough for a team of Arsenal’s stature.

With a possible £12 million kitty this January, I know Wenger could raid the market and find a much more dominant defender to partner Vermaelen than Joleon Lescott. The Frenchman certainly has better options available to him this winter, and I for one hope that he looks into this before he decides to spend it on the out-of-favour City defender.

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