Arsenal Transfer News: Latest Rumours on Winston Reid, Neto

The first half of the 2014-15 Premier League season is in the books, and with the January transfer window now in full swing, countless rumours linking Arsenal with a host of top players are surfacing every day.

The Gunners have a solid, young squad with plenty of potential, but a lack of defensive depth and a strong force in midfield have shown in 2014, as the club sits just outside the Champions League spots in the standings.

Arsene Wenger traditionally isn't a huge fan of the January window, but with clear needs in the defensive department, the Gunners are expected to make at least one or two key signings. Here are the latest rumours out of the Emirates.

West Ham Preparing for Winston Reid Departure?

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West Ham United officially announced the arrival of Canada international Doneil Henry on Saturday, via NBC Sports' Joe Prince-Wright, adding cover in case of a Winston Reid departure.

As reported by Prince-Wright, Reid is yet to sign a new deal with the Hammers amid rumours the Gunners are preparing a £4 million offer for his services, according to the Daily Mail's Sami Mokbel.

The 26-year-old has been very solid for West Ham in 2014-15, anchoring the defence of a club performing well above expectations. He has the size and physicality to be effective at the Premier League level, and according to Bleacher Report's Ryan Bailey and Janusz Michallik, he would be the perfect January signing for the Gunners:

His price tag was always seen as the biggest issue standing in the way of a transfer, and with his contract ending at the end of the season, a free transfer in the summer appeared the logical solution. However, the arrival of Henry at Boleyn Ground could change everything.

West Ham appear to be preparing for life after Reid, and with sufficient cover now added, they could be ready to cash in on the New Zealand international. Reid may not be a world-class talent, but he's good enough to start for Arsenal if needed, adds pivotal depth and won't be cup-tied for European competition, unlike most star defenders.

For a limited fee, he could be the immediate answer to a number of issues that have plagued the squad this season, and a relatively small investment shouldn't have to stand in the way of a bigger, more accomplished target in the summer.

Neto Turns Down New Fiorentina Contract

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Arsenal's quest to add some competition for goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny received an unexpected boost on Saturday, with Fiorentina releasing a statement to confirm star stopper Neto won't be signing a new deal with La Viola, per Gianlucadimarzio.com's David Amoyal:

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Through his representatives, Norberto Murara Neto officially announced he won't extend his contract with Fiorentina and that he considers his professional experience with the club to be over. The player wanted to confirm it wasn't a financial decision, but rather due to his desire to decide his future independently.

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The Brazilian is expected to finish the season with Fiorentina before deciding on a new club, but interested teams from the Premier League could attempt to convince La Viola to cash in now rather than lose him for free in six months.

Arsenal have been looking at stoppers recently, with the Mirror's James Nursey reporting the Gunners have joined the race for Loris Karius. David Ospina has failed to convince in his first six months at the club, mostly due to persistent injuries, while Szczesny has struggled recently.

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Neto has enjoyed a fine career in Serie A, and several clubs are reportedly interested in his signature, per Amoyal. He made international headlines for this blunder, but has otherwise performed at a high level in the past 12 months:

The 25-year-old Neto presents an experienced, proven commodity who would either demand a low transfer fee in January or none whatsoever in the summer. As a depth player and competition for starter Szczesny, he makes perfect sense.

A January move seems unlikely, but if Ospina continues to disappoint, the Gunners should keep their eye on the soon-to-be free agent.

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