Arsenal’s move for West Ham star could hinge on Man City man
Published:It’s a classic transfer-window scenario where one team need to secure a signing of their own before letting one of their number move on to pastures new.
A bit like buying a house in a dreaded ‘chain’, it can often be a games of nerve as the allotted time in the window winds down and in this case West Ham are the pivotal players.
Latest reports indicate that Arsenal are reviving their seemingly annual interest in the Hammers’ cultured centre-half, Winston Reid.
Although this time the deal has more legs than ever before. The Gunners’ need is great due to the departure of club captain Thomas Vermaelen to Barcelona.
So far this season, Arsene Wenger has been forced to draft in fresh-faced newbie Callum Chambers – usually a right-back – to start in the heart of defence.
Meanwhile, the pressure on the Irons to sell is ramped up given that 26-year-old Reid has now entered the final year of his contract.
Naturally Sam Allardyce and the fans will be particularly keen to hold onto one of their prize assets, but with a potential replacement in the offing they may be prepared to cash in.
Following the summer arrivals of Bacary Sagna and Eliaquim Mangala at Manchester City, England international Micah Richards looks like he’ll be surplus to requirements at the Etihad.
Allardyce is known to be a big admirer of the athletic and versatile defender, but persuading Richards to move to Upton Park could be tricky.
Negotiations are ongoing, but meanwhile the Hammers will be looking to bounce back from a galling opening-day loss to Tottenham as they travel to Crystal Palace.
West Ham are priced at 21/10 to nick the points off the managerless Eagles.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
Fancy a flutter? Sign up today to claim up to £100 in free bets.
