Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is weighing up a move for West Ham defender Winston Reid in the New Year, according to the Metro. The Gunners boss is on the look-out for a new centre-back due to the growing interest in unsettled captain Thomas Vermaelen. Vermaelen has only played eleven minutes of league football under Wenger this season and has previously admitted he could leave. And, having closely followed Reid's progress over the last 18 months, Wenger is now poised to make a bid for the 25-year-old and bring him in as a replacement. Reid has recently established himself as one of the best centre-backs in the Premier League and has formed part of a solid back-line at Upton Park this season. But his stay at the Hammers could come to an end in January, with Wenger set to test the waters with a £6 million offer for the New Zealand international. The bid has been backed by Arsenal's chief scout Steve Rowley, who has been writing up extensive reports on Reid's performances and background. Manchester United and Liverpool were understood to be interested in the defender at one stage, though it is believed the player would prefer to remain in London.