Winston Reid Fits Arsenal's Defensive Needs in January Transfer Window

The breakdown in Winston Reid’s contract negotiations with West Ham United could force him towards the Upton Park exit. Should that prove to be the case, Arsenal should welcome him with open arms.

It’s clear the Hammers are frustrated at the constant stalling from Reid’s side. His contract expires in less than six months. Under football regulations, he is free to negotiate with clubs from abroad. However, West Ham boss Sam Allardyce has suggested that an illegal approach from a domestic club may already have taken place. He told the BBC:

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If he is not going to sign a contract here, I would find it highly unlikely if it is not already verbally done.

You have to accept the way it is and contrary to whether it breaks the rules or it doesn't, it happens. It is just one of the ways the football world works.

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While Reid will be available on a free this summer, John Cross of the Mirror says Arsenal are lining up a move to recruit him before January is out:

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Arsene Wenger is making moves to sign Winston Reid this month.

West Ham boss Sam Allardyce has admitted Reid has 'no future' at Upton Park and fully expects him to leave when his contract expires in the summer.

But Arsenal boss Wenger, who has made Reid one of his main defensive targets, is trying to get the New Zealand centre-half on the cheap in the current transfer window.

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While the prospect of securing Reid for nothing is certainly tempting, the truth is that Arsenal cannot afford to wait six months. They need a new centre-back right now: Laurent Koscielny’s Achilles problem is still causing him discomfort, and there is worryingly little depth beyond him.

The high-risk strategy of deploying full-backs at centre-half is sure to cost Arsenal again before the end of the season.

Nigel Roddis/Getty Images

Reid could be just what they need. For starters, he would not necessitate a massive outlay. His precarious contract situation suggests the Gunners could snare him for a knockdown fee of around £5 million.

He’s also most comfortable on the left-hand side of the central defence, which is Koscielny’s customary role. In the Frenchman’s absence, Arsenal have occasionally been forced to reshuffle their defence, moving Per Mertesacker to the left to accommodate Calum Chambers on the right.

The German can look disorientated in that unfamiliar role. Reid’s arrival would enable him to play where he is most comfortable.

Michael Regan/Getty Images

Crucially, he also arrives with plenty of Premier League experience. Arsenal need someone who can slot in straight away.

Signing a player from overseas invariably necessitates an adaptation period, and that’s not something Arsenal can really contemplate with the season in mid-flow. They need a short-term solution, and Reid could provide it.

He’s not perfect. His distribution can be one-dimensional, and in the December 28 fixture against Arsenal, he demonstrated a touch of clumsiness in fouling Santi Cazorla to concede a penalty. However, he is a rugged, physical defender with immense experience of English football.

As squad players go, few could be more reliable than Reid. He’s certainly no Sebastien Squillaci.

If Reid’s relationship with West Ham turns sour, Arsenal should jump any queue to take him off their hands.

 

James McNicholas is Bleacher Report's lead Arsenal correspondent and is following the club from a London base throughout the 2014-15 season. Follow him on Twitter here.