Would Arsenal be fools not to swoop for West Ham outcast Winston Reid?

There is always a sense of unease that surrounds Arsenal fans in any transfer window these days and given the performance of their manager, it is not really that shocking.

Promises are made, big names are linked, the cash is there – but come deadline day, more often than not, the players do not arrive.

Yes there have been a couple of big singings in the last few windows, with La Liga stars Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil being the players in question, but there have been no players of grit, substance or ones who can really pull their socks up, stick their foot in and anchor the side when the going gets tough.

The Gunners are in dire need of a strong midfielder – who is preferably not over the age of 30 – and a couple of top class central defenders who are tried and tested at the highest level of the game – or at the very least,  Premier League level.

Step forward West Ham United contract rebel Winston Reid.

The defender has refused to pen a new deal with the Hammers and has thus been declared by manager Sam Allrdyce as ‘having no future at the club.’

Understandable from West Ham’s point of view really, given they have offered a new deal to the player, have seen it rejected, know full well that top class clubs are sniffing around and cannot afford to lose the 26 year old on a free come the end of his contract.

Logically, that usually means a January cut price sale, with the Gunners keen to shell out £4 million to bring the player to the Emirates Stadium – a bargain according to most.

Reid may not be the best defender in the world, but he is what Arsenal need. He has ability, he has guts, he has a never say die attitude and has that solidity that the club are sorely lacking at the back – well throughout their side, Sanchez aside.

It would be hard to imagine Arsene Wenger messing this one up, but as the ever positive fans would probably tell you, don’t believe anything until the player has signed and has managed a week without long term injury.

Arsenal fans. Do you think that Reid could be the answer to all your prayers? Let us know your thoughts below, become a guest blogger or tweet us @LaFootyettes.