Arsenal are reportedly ready to step up their interest in West Ham defender Winston Reid, according to reports in the Mirror.
The New Zealand international’s current contract at Upton Park expires at the end of June and the defender is reportedly seeking a £60,000-a-week deal, which West Ham are not to offer.
West Ham boss Sam Allardyce admitted on Monday that Reid has no future at the club after rejecting their contract offer and suggested that he expects the defender to leave when his deal expires in the summer.
The report suggests Wenger has now made Reid one of his key January targets and is looking to tempt the Hammers into cashing-in now rather than lose him for nothing in six months time.
It further suggests the Gunners are set to make a formal move and are confident West Ham will sell for around £3 million, while they will have no problem meeting Reid’s supposed £60,000-a-week wage demands.
Wenger recently admitted that he is short in the central defensive positions and it seems Reid is on the top of the wish list. He has been one of the standout performers in West Ham’s surprise season this year and would be a good purchase for the north Londoners.
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The Gunners need someone who can slot in straight away and Reid arrives with plenty of Premier League experience. We cannot risk signing a player from overseas as he would need some time to adapt, so they need a short-term solution and the 26 year old could provide it.
He’s not perfect as he showed against Arsenal in December when he conceded a cheap penalty to Cazorla, but considering the experience he has at this level, we shouldn’t hesitate to have him on our books.
Rumour Rater: 4/5
1 – Never going to happen
2 – Unlikely
3 – Could be possible
4 – Likely
5 – Done deal
Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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