Arsenal have been linked with an £8m January move for highly-rated West Ham United youngster Reece Oxford.
The news of the Gunners’ reported interest comes just hours after it was revealed by the Times that Manchester United also have interest in the future England hopeful.
The 16-year-old made his West Ham debut in the Europa league qualification rounds where he became the club’s youngest-ever player, but caught the eyes of many when he was given a start away to the Gunners at the Emirates Stadium on the first day of the Premier League season.
Despite being a recognised central defender, Oxford was thrown into the midfield by Slaven Bilic and proved his credentials in his attempt to establish himself a Premier League regular.
Due to FA restrictions on players under the age of 18, West Ham are unable to offer 16-year-old Oxford contract terms of longer than two years, meaning prising him away may not be too difficult for either Arsenal or United.
It’s also believed that prior to signing his professional contract with the Hammers, Oxford had high amounts of interest in him from the likes of Chelsea, Manchester City, United and Arsenal – but he decided to sign for what was at the time Sam Allardyce’s squad.
Oxford has made six first-team appearances for the club this season but with injurieis to the squad recently, could find himself involved more often with the likes of Arsenal and United clearly keen admirers.
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