West Ham United defender Winston Reid is reportedly willing to make a move to Arsenal should the Gunners lauch a bid in January, according to reports in the Mirror.
The 26 year old has been heavily linked with a move to the North London coub after refusing to sign a contract extension to the current deal which expires in the summer.
Wenger has recently admitted that he is keeping tabs on Reid and the long term injury to Debuchy following a shoulder injury might force the Frenchman’s hand in making a move this month.
The report states that the New Zealander has made it clear to West Ham officials that he will leave the club if Arsenal launch a bid in the Winter transfer window. The experienced defender was dropped for Sunday’s 3-0 win over Hull, only coming on after an injury to James Collins.
West Ham boss Sam Allardyce clarified after the game stated that he did not start Reid as Collins and James Tomkins have done well in last week’s FA Cup win over Everton. But it is believed that the Hammers boss did not consider him due to the lack of proper focus from the player owing to the interest from Spurs and Arsenal.
However the defender on his social networking site has hit out at these reports by stating that there is no truth in these reports. He tweeted:
Whoever Wrote that story of me today is not true. Well done
— Winston Reid (@WinstonReid2) January 20, 2015
Reid is a combative defender, who has great pace and is also good in the air. He is a player who is well-versed in the frenetic, physical environment of the League and would require no adaptation period. He plays on the left of the center back pairing, but can also ply his trade at wing back.
We are in desperate need of some defensive requirements in January, especially after loosing Debuchy for the rest of the season. Reid’s signing will help us on two fronts, as he can effortlessly replace either of Mertesacker or Koscielny at the center or can slot on in at wing back and having that kind of versatility will go some way in solving the Gunners injury concerns.
The Hammers want around £8 million for the defender, but it seems Arsenal only rate him at £5 million, so it remains to be seen whether a compromise can be reached.
Should we sign Winston Reid in January?
