Why Reece Oxford could be an incredible coup for Arsenal

Arsenal and their defensive issues have been widespread since Arsene Wenger’s penultimate season at the club. Though Unai Emery has somehow managed to patch over some of the issues, it’s still been evident in recent games that their defence is weak.

Now with the January transfer window open, the Gunners are free to spend and the Mirror has reported that next summer’s transfer budget is around £40million.

That says a lot not only about the club but also about their winter transfer budget, which further adds to their problems. With the Mirror reporting that West Ham United star Reece Oxford is keen on a move to Arsenal, given their defensive issues, they will have to act fast as Bundesliga side Borussia Monchengladbach are also in the race.

Oxford’s performances for the Hammers have mainly been in the Premier League 2 and the EFL Cup despite showing great promise when he first made his debut. However, multiple loan spells later, the Englishman is a fringe player who hasn’t played a first-team game for the Hammers in the Premier League since coming off the bench against Crystal Palace last season.

Arsenal, however, have limited funds to spend in January, but the paltry £3million fee that West Ham are demanding shouldn’t prove to be a massive challenge.

The Mirror has revealed that Oxford is keen on waiting for Arsenal to make their move. And the Gunners should know all about the 20-year-old after his performance against them on the opening day of the 2015/16 season. Oxford showed maturity and composure well above his age as the Hammers prevailed against Arsenal in a 2-0 victory.

But to make things even more embarrassing, the defender who had stopped Arsenal then was a mere 16-year-old, becoming the second youngest player to play in the Premier League. Things haven’t gone Oxford’s way since, and a move to Arsenal would be beneficial.

Not only does the 20-year-old have the skills to become a great defender but under Unai Emery, Reece Oxford could become Arsenal’s core for the better part of the next decade, if they make a move for him.

If that seems like an exaggeration, just look at how well Alex Iwobi, Emile Smith Rowe and even Lucas Torreira have performed under Emery.