Arsenal Transfer News: Analysing Fabian Schar and Winston Reid January Rumours

Arsenal's defensive shortcomings call for reinforcements at the Emirates Stadium, but the Gunners have seen setbacks in their pursuits of rumoured targets Fabian Schar and Winston Reid.

Arsene Wenger's side have long-held ties to Basel centre-back Schar, but the 23-year-old seems more enamoured with Serie A, per Jamie Anderson of the Express:

"I’ve read the market rumours, they’re normal at this time. I can say that without a doubt  I think Inter are a top club, perfect. That would be an ideal destination."

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It's a blow for those in north London to hear the Swiss international isn't as interested by a move to their borders, especially considering the club's need for recruitment at the back.

As well as being able to play in central defence, Schar has been more than competent in a full-back capacity, which could help cover for the absence of Mathieu Debuchy, who recently suffered a dislocated shoulder.

Bleacher Report's James McNicholas recently discussed some of Arsenal's top transfer rumours, with defence and defensive midfield the highlighted areas in need of strengthening:

The Gunners have been struggling for depth at the back ever since opting to sell Thomas Vermaelen last summer, which was soon followed up by injury to Laurent Koscielny.

Spanish football writer Sergi Dominguez sees the defender as a player Manchester United should be trying to sign, mentioning his name in the same breath as players such as Mats Hummels and Kevin Strootman:

The hunt of Reid isn't looking much brighter, either, after West Ham United placed an £8 million price tag on their centre-back, whose deal at Upton Park expires this summer.

That's according to the Daily Mail's Sami Mokbel, who adds that Wenger's side will not meet such demands and were more hopeful of a deal in the region of £4 million.

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Reid has figured as a prominent member for the Hammers in recent seasons and been a reliable figure during their top-half rise this season.

It's clear Sam Allardyce wants to keep the New Zealander as long as he can, with the club's official Twitter account recently quoting their manager as saying Reid is soon to reach full fitness:

Arsenal will be as pleased as West Ham to hear their target is soon to return, especially after Wenger admitted his interest in adding Reid to his ranks:

However, unless West Ham are willing to budge on their new evaluation, it seems likely that Reid will instead see out the duration of his east London contract.

The benefit of that, of course, is the Gunners would then be able to sign Reid on a free transfer, but the argument is there to say they should be targeting more elite talents in the summer when business is easier to conduct.

As such, the club face a dilemma in just how high a priority they place on midseason reinforcements at the back and how much they're willing to pay.