Arsène Wenger could act on information given to him by Thierry Henry in the January transfer window.
According to the Daily Mail, Henry has spoken to Wenger about his New York Red Bulls teammate Tim Ream, who is expected to join a Premier League club following an impressive season in the MLS.
The 24-year-old has 7 caps for the United States and has earned much praise from the Red Bulls coaching staff.
According to team coach Hans Becke, Ream is:
“…a European-type center back who, I think, reminds me of Rio Ferdinand in the Premier League. Ream is strong tactically and never stressed, and of course he’s good in the air. He has a top-class attitude and spirit.”
US national team coach Jurgen Klinsmann has suggested that his players look to train with top European clubs during the off-season, as he wants his MLS stars to give themselves a fresh challenge in a much tougher league. Klinsmann has already sent FC Dallas winger Brek Shea to train with Arsenal, and will be looking to organise a similar set-up for Ream. Ream will be available on loan once the MLS season finishes at the end of November, but it is thought that Wenger would want him on a permanent transfer.
It has been suggested that Arsenal have already had a £2.5 million bid for the defender rejected, but that Wenger now looks set to increase his offer to £4m in January. However, it seems as though West Brom could beat us to his signature, having reportedly already contacted him to offer a trial before Christmas.
When questioned in an interview, Ream seems to be open to the idea of moving to the Premier League:
‘If someone comes and wants me to possibly come over on a loan deal, I think we’ll explore that opportunity’.
I honestly don’t know enough about him Ream to know whether this would be a good transfer. It is understandable that Wenger wants to add a few new faces to the squad in January, but I would rather add some more experience to our midfield. We have Thomas Vermaelen back in the squad, and Bacary Sagna will return shortly after the new year, so I don’t think that signing another defender should be Wenger’s priority.