Arsenal Transfer News: Winston Reid Rumours Swirling, Joel Campbell Latest

Arsenal fans may yet see the defensive cover they've been longing after arrive this month as talk of Winston Reid's capture intensifies, while Joel Campbell could complete a loan move to Benfica.

It's well-founded the Gunners are interested in Reid, whose West Ham contract expires this summer, and the Daily Star reports Sam Allardyce's side may now be willing to part ways for just £3 million.

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It's the kind of low-cost January move that Arsene Wenger has developed something of a reputation for, who is ever reluctant to spend big sums in the winter market.

Opta (h/t Goal.com) provide insight into the type of prospect Reid provides, too, boasting a staggering tackle success rate of 75 percent:

According to the Daily Star's report, the Gunners would be willing to offer the New Zealander wages of £60,000-a-week, making him one of the cheaper centre-back options this month.

However, ex-Hammer Steve Lomas has urged Allardyce to hang onto his defensive talisman and allow him to leave for free this summer, saying: "Reid has been West Ham's most consistent player so he'd be a massive loss. They could get higher up in the league if he stays."

It's a difficult dilemma for Allardyce, who at this late stage won't have the highest hopes of West Ham agreeing a new deal with their star, who is seemingly intent on an Upton Park exit.

The manager's only concern will be to ensure he has the most talent at his disposal as possible, but the club's hierarchy may decide it's best to cash in now and make money while they can.

Bleacher Report's James McNicholas recently examined the chances of Saint-Etienne utility man Loic Perrin arriving at the Emirates Stadium, but he isn't confident the deal will materialise:

Meanwhile, Campbell could be on the Emirates Stadium departures list after it came to light that Portuguese giants Benfica are looking to sign the forward on temporary terms.

Portuguese newspaper O Jogo (h/t Daily Star's Colin Harvey) claim the Eagles will send representatives to north London next week in a bid to thrash out terms over taking Campbell on a six-month loan.

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Wenger may be less willing to see another attacker leave his squad after Lukas Podolski's recent loan switch to Inter, which would give Campbell a better chance of first-team minutes.

The Costa Rican international has played just 41 minutes of Premier League football this season, but Miguel Delaney of ESPN FC quoted Wenger as saying he wants the 22-year-old to remain where he is:

Campbell impressed a global audience with some dazzling performances at the 2014 World Cup, but Danny Welbeck's arrival last summer only helped in stiffening competition for places.

Should Campbell be eager enough to leave, there's a chance the move could come to fruition, but Wenger has made it clear he'd prefer to have the striker under his roof.