Arsenal who have been facing a lot of defensive problems this season, due to various injury problems, could have a found potential backup in the form of West Ham defender Winston Reid. According to the latest reports, The New Zealand international wants to push through a move across London to the Emirates. West Ham manager Sam Allardyce is already looking for possible replacements as Reid recently made it clear to The Hammers that he wants to join The Gunners, should they bid for him In January.
Arsene Wenger already has expressed the need for a new center-back this month and Reid, who’s contract expires at the end of the season, does not wish to lose out on this golden opportunity to fulfill his dream. The New Zealander has clearly refused to extend his contract with his current side and was hence dropped for Sunday’s Premier League clash against Hull City which ended in a 3-0 win for the home side. Reid however came on as a sub, after an injury to center-back James Collins. Allardyce did insist after the game that Collins and James Tomkins started, because the pair had performed quite well in last week’s sensational FA Cup third round replay against Everton.
Reports still believe Big Sam did not consider the 26 year old Reid due to interest from rivals Arsenal and Tottenham which could suggest his departure from West Ham. The Irons have been insistent and have a placed a price tag of around £8million for the centre-back should The Gunners want to finalize a deal for him this month. The North London club had ambitions to land Reid for around £4-5million previous which seems highly impossible with the things are at the moment. Reid, on the other hand fears he will be priced out of a move. On the other hand, West Ham, themselves have had a bid rejected for Nigerian international Azubuike Egwuekwe. The player was viewed as a potential replacement for the departing center-back and club, Warri Wolves, want an estimated £4million for him.