Arsenal Must Target West Ham Defender Winston Reid in January Transfer Window

As Arsene Wenger was preparing to lead his team out at the Stadium of Light, he probably didn’t get a chance to watch West Ham’s stirring victory over Manchester City. Had he done so, he would surely have been impressed by Winston Reid. The Kiwi centre-back’s dominant display suggested he could be ready to make the step up to a club like Arsenal.

Arsenal’s need for a new defender is well-documented. Having lost Thomas Vermaelen this summer, Laurent Koscielny’s chronic tendinitis has left the squad looking particularly thin at the back. Reinforcements are required in January.

Alastair Grant/Associated Press

Reid could certainly be available in the forthcoming transfer window. Reid is now well into the last season of his contract. His current deal expires in the summer, and thus far he has refused the opportunity to sign an extension. 

The West Ham hierarchy are still optimistic about keeping hold of their best centre-half. Speaking to talkSPORT (h/t SkySports), co-owner David Sullivan said:

"

I think we will get to a deal with Winston.

Both balls are in the air with regards to Winston and Ravel (Morrison) but both are players we like very, very much.

"

Sullivan may be being a little naive. Arsenal fans know more than most that when a player stalls on signing a new deal, it’s invariably because he has his eyes on a move elsewhere. 

Reid may have heard whispers that Arsenal are waiting in the wings. According to John Cross of the Mirror, the Gunners have sent scouts to keep an eye on the 26-year-old centre-back. 

The watching Arsenal staff will have been impressed. Against City, Reid was imperious, throwing his body in to the way of the ball when required. In truth, he’s been in good form all season. Stats service Squawka show a centre-back who is arriving at the top of his game. 

Thus far in 2014/15, he has won 63 percent of all one-on-one duels. That’s a better total than either Koscielny or Per Mertesacker, Arsenal’s current defensive duo.

Squawka.com

Reid is particularly effective in the air. Although he gives away three inches in height to Mertesacker, he is far more aerially adept. Reid has won a massive 72 percent of his aerial battles, as compared with Mertesacker’s success ratio of 64 percent.

However, the New Zealand international is effective on the ground, too, winning 50 percent of his tackles. Koscielny is well-regarded as an excellent tackler, but he can only boast a 42 percent success rate. 

Reid would make for a useful squad player for Arsenal. He has plenty of Premier League experience, so would be capable of slotting straight in to the back four when required. Typically, he plays on the left of the centre-back pairing, which would make him an ideal partner for either Mertesacker or Calum Chambers.

After more than four years with West Ham, Reid seems ready to step up to the next level. With Arsenal desperate for defensive cover, it could be a move to suit all parties.

 

James McNicholas is Bleacher Report's lead Arsenal correspondent and has been nominated as the best Established Football Blogger at the Football Blog Awards. Click here to vote for him.