Arsenal Transfer News: Latest Reece Oxford and Charlie Taylor Rumours

Arsenal will reportedly battle Premier League rivals Manchester City for the 17-year-old West Ham United defender Reece Oxford. The Gunners also hope to see off Liverpool in a race to sign Leeds United left-back Charlie Taylor.

It's Oxford who would represent the bigger prize, though. Oliver Holt of the Mail on Sunday credited both Arsenal and City with "strong interest" in the teenager, who can play as a central defender or midfielder.

Holt pointed out how Oxford caught the eye during the Hammers' 2-0 win over Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on the opening day of the season, but he also noted how he's "been used sparingly since."

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Still, West Ham are keen to keep one of their brightest young talents in the fold: "Oxford, who has two years remaining on his contract, is valued at around £10 million, and the Hammers are desperate to keep him at the club."

But Oxford may not be as keen to stay in east London, according to the Daily Mirror's John Cross: "Reece Oxford is ready to keep West Ham waiting before committing himself to a new contract. Talented teenager Oxford wants to get more playing time on the pitch before deciding whether to sign a new deal."

It's not clear Oxford would get more playing time with the Gunners despite his talent. He wouldn't be the only versatile young defender on the books, not when the 21-year-old Calum Chambers is flexible enough to also play centre-back, central midfield and even full-back.

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If there's one reason to think Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger may still be keen on Oxford, it's his obvious need to refresh the heart of his defence. Per Mertesacker is 31 and has never been the quickest, and neither has the 30-year-old Laurent Koscielny. Meanwhile, Brazilian Gabriel has struggled adapting to the physical rigours of England's top flight.

Wenger has rarely been shy about investing in youthful, homegrown talent. He signed Theo Walcott and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain as teenagers, and he also added Chambers and Danny Welbeck in recent seasons.

Oxford's core attributes may intrigue a manager expert at taking versatile players and shaping them to suit specific positions.

Championship Left-Back on Wenger's Wanted List

A recent report from the Sun (h/t Alex Wood of the Daily Star) stated "Liverpool and Arsenal are both keeping close tabs" on 22-year-old left-back Taylor, a player Leeds are "determined to hang onto."

Wenger's interest in a new, younger left-back is understandable with starter Nacho Monreal now 30. The future of Kieran Gibbs is also uncertain, with Jeremy Wilson of the Daily Telegraph suggesting Arsenal will "listen to offers" for the 26-year-old this summer.

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The Gunners have also been linked with FC Lorient's Raphael Guerreiro, per Metro's Mark Brus, as well as Leicester City's 19-year-old Ben Chilwell, per Cross. These rumours suggest Wenger is serious about a younger option at the position.

It would be a shame to see Gibbs leave the club since he's talented going forward. But injuries have blighted his career and stalled his development.

As well as Monreal has performed, next season's Arsenal defence needs more pace at the position. But Wenger can't rely on the brittle Gibbs to provide it, so it's time to run the rule over some talented and athletic full-backs.

Wenger would be wise to refresh the Gunners defence this summer. Greater height and power are needed in the middle, while extra pace to complement jet-heeled right-back Hector Bellerin would also be welcome.