Arsenal reportedly want Reece Oxford in a January deal, although the Gunners are looking to lower West Ham United’s £3 million asking price.
Unai Emery is keen to find a solution to Arsenal’s defensive crisis by bolstering the backline in January. That reinforcement could come in the form of Reece Oxford, with Daily Mirror reporting that the Gunners are interested in West Ham United defender Reece Oxford, although they want to renegotiate the £3 million asking price.
Rob Holding’s injury has hampered Arsenal’s defensive stability, and the subsequent return of captain Laurent Koscielny has not improved things. Hence, Emery has made it clear to the club board that he would need new recruits in January, and specifically a centre-back to ease some defensive issues. The search has led them to West Ham prodigy Reece Oxford.
Arsenal have had an eye on other targets such as Chelsea’s veteran defender Gary Cahill as well as Torino’s Nicolas Nkoulou for a move this month. However, the Gunners could be open to the idea of an inexperienced English starlet such as Oxford and are willing to take a gamble on the prospect.
Oxford spent the last two seasons on loan at Borussia Monchengladbach, in what was an impressive stay in Germany. So much so, that the Bundesliga outfit are keen on a reunion with the youngster, and are even plotting a January move for him.
West Ham, too, are willing to sanction a deal with Borussia Monchengladbach instead of strengthening a Premier League side, although the player wants to stay in England and London, which solidifies Arsenal’s hopes of signing him.
Oxford is surplus to requirements for Manuel Pellegrini, who wants the defender to leave to continue his career elsewhere. West Ham, however, weighed up the idea of sending him out on loan, although they could sell him outright if any club meets their £3 million valuation, which is a stumbling block for Arsenal.
Oxford’s last contract extension means he is tied to West Ham till June 2021. Arsenal, however, are still looking to lower the miniscule price because the Gunners have a limited budget in the winter transfer window, with the majority of it going towards signing Dennis Suarez from Barcelona.
Oxford, on the other hand, is open to the idea of signing for Arsenal, as it would mean he remains in England and in London, which is why he is even prepared to wait till the summer to join the Gunners. Meanwhile, Everton are also showing an interest in the defender.
As for Arsenal, signing Oxford could be a bargain and a risk. There are chances he could fail and stall a promising career, like several other promising youngsters before him. Alternatively, Arsenal could stump up £3 million and he could be another bargain signing like Holding. It remains to be seen if a January move sees the light of the day.
