Arsenal are in the hunt for West Ham United defender Reece Oxford, according to the Mirror.
The newspaper reports on its website that the Gunners are considering making a bid in January for the 6ft 3in [Transfermarkt] enforcer, with Everton also plotting to make an offer for the youngster’s services.
It is understood that Manuel Pellegrini has warned the 20-year-old that he may not have much of a future with the Hammers, which means he could depart the club in the New Year.
Manchester United have also been linked with Oxford previously, shortly before he signed a long-term deal in East London.
OPINION
Oxford no doubt does not feature in Pellegrini’s plans in the forseeable future, so letting him leave in January would be a wise decision. He is not going to get near the first team anytime soon, so letting him leave for the likes of Arsenal or Everton is the best thing to do. Unai Emery is desperate for defensive reinforcements, especially now that Rob Holding is out for the season and Shkodran Mustafi is struggling with injuries. This is the perfect opportunity for Oxford to get some vital first team experience under his belt – and what a better team to do that with than one in the Premier League top-six. Oxford is a bright prospect, and even though he has struggled with his attitude in the past, he definitely has the potential to go very far no matter what club he could eventually end up at. This is just the chance he needs to prove that he is good enough to cut it in the top-flight, so West Ham must make the right decision.
