Alexis Sanchez scored a hat-trick as Arsenal handed West Ham an emphatic 5-1 drubbing on Saturday.

Arsene Wenger’s side hit back after a disappointing EFL Cup defeat to Southampton last week to move into second in the Premier League table.

It was an important result for the Gunners who need to keep pace with league leaders, Chelsea.

Arsenal’s stars are dropping like flies in the injury department. Santi Cazorla’s layoff is expected to be extended for a further three months after the Spaniard was told he needs surgery on his ankle.

Cazorla, who hasn’t made an appearance for the Gunners since their 6-0 hammering of Ludogorets on October 19, may not return until March. Whilst Mattieu Debuchy will be out for six weeks following the hamstring injury he picked up in Arsenal’s 3-1 win over Bournemouth.

The January transfer window is ever closer. Arsene Wenger has a long track record of dipping into Ligue 1 to add quality to his side.

We’ve picked out THREE of the best Ligue 1 stars the Gunners could snap up come January…

Alassane Pléa – OSG Nice

With nine goals in 16 Ligue 1 games Alassane Plea is emerging as one of the best strikers in Europe.

The 23-year-old who signed for OSG Nice from Lyon in 2014 is now a deadly finisher in the French league.

The strikers blistering pace and an eye for goal has dragged Nice to the top of Ligue 1 after 16 games and the side are being considered serious contenders for the title. Realistically, it would take a monumental offer from Arsenal to swoop in for the French club’s star man.

Maxime Gonalons – Lyon

The long time Lyon defensive midfielder has had an impressive start to the Ligue 1 season. Gonalons has produced more tackles per game than any other player in the division.

At 27, the Frenchman possesses a wealth of experience while also having years ahead of him. Gonalons captains Lyon and his side sit 6th in the league. But a lucrative offer could tempt the defensive midfielder, who has the aptitude to play at the back to join his international teammate Laurent Koscielny at The Emirates.

Ryan Boudabouz – Montpellier

The French-born Algerian international has been a mainstay name in Ligue 1 for a number of years, ever since debuting for Sochaux back in the 2009/10 season.

Boudabouz plays as an attacking midfielder, primarily on the right wing for Montpellier who are currently languishing in the middle of Ligue 1.

The 26-year-old has scored seven and assisted two so far this season. Arsene Wenger could look to get some real competition for Theo Walcott or opt to play Boudabouz on the left hand side.