According to a new report today, West Ham United have “already held talks” with north London neighbours Arsenal over a loan deal to take one of the Gunners’ most promising defenders who will struggle for regular game time in the Champions’ line up next season.
A sobering reality of West Ham’s relegation is that they are now looking to become temporary nurturing grounds for a Premier League club’s up and coming stars.
Beggars cannot be choosers, however, and a one-season loan to bring a hugely promising 19 year old centre back to east London for the Irons’ promotion push could solve several problems: The player can also offer cover for Kyle Walker Peters at right back in the event that the Irons do sell Aaron Wan Bissaka.
According to the Sun today – relayed by Gunners fan site justarsenal.com,
“West Ham target Arsenal teenager:
West Ham – linked Arsenal defender
One of the most impressive players in the Arsenal U21 side currently is Jaden Dixon, who joined the club at the start of this year from Stoke City. The defender has attracted attention with his performances, and West Ham are now interested in signing him during the current transfer window…
Dixon is unlikely to receive enough playing time with Arsenal’s senior squad at this stage of his development, which has opened the possibility of a temporary move away from the club. That situation has encouraged West Ham to explore a deal for the young player”
West Ham do have their own young centre backs Kaelan Casey and Ezra Mayers: Many would see the Hammers interest in Arsenal’s teenage talent as something of a thumbs down as to the possibility of either staying with the seniors this season.
I’m all for taking young talent on loan, but our youth team regularly beats Arsenal, so maybe our own youngsters deserve a chance first
With Saliba requiring back surgery, White will have to cover that position leaving a shortage position at rightback with just timber. Therefore Dixon will get his chance and games at rightback as Tmbers number 1st back up. Arsenal have the possibility to mimic last year’s 60 game plus schedule and will need Dixon to cover Timber at rightback. Unless Westham cough up £35m plus buy back clause.