Arsenal sizing up January swoop for West Ham’s Winston Reid

With Thomas Vermaelen’s Arsenal future still in serious doubt, rumours have emerged that West Ham centre-back Winston Reid is top of Arsene Wenger’s list of possible replacements.

Having seen his playing time in an Arsenal shirt reduced to Capital One Cup appearances, it’s no surprise to see club captain Vermaelen linked with a move away from the Emirates, particularly in a World Cup season.

We’ve already alluded to the fact on this site, that Serie A club Inter are among the leading contenders for Vermaelen’s signature.

Reports coming out of north London appear to back up the theory that Wenger is resigned to losing the Belgian, as West Ham’s Reid has seemingly caught the Frenchman’s eye.

After glowing reports from chief scout Steve Rowley regarding the New Zealand international’s performances for the Hammers, Wenger will give his backing to a bid in January for a fee believed to be in the region of £6m.

Reid, 25, has emerged as one of the most consistent central defenders in the Premier League this season, helping Sam Allardyce’s side keep four top-flight clean sheets so far.

Whether or not West Ham will be prepared to listen to an offer in this finacial bracket is another matter, especially as he is considered one of the Irons’ most prized assets.

Although Arsenal have raced to the top of the Premier League table, some defensive reinforcement seems necessary as the current backline have only shut-out two teams in the top-flight in their first nine games.

While Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny have formed a good understanding at the Emirates, the signing of another genuine threat to their starting positions will be a healthy move.

Ironically, next up for Arsenal are a Liverpool team blessed with a plethora of quality centre-backs, though the Gunners are still the 6/5 favourites to claim what would signify a huge three points.

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