Arsenal target Winston Reid to make final decision over West Ham future next week - agent

West Ham United have seven days to tie Winston Reid down to a new contract as Arsenal ponder a January offer for the defender, according to football agent Barry Silkman.

Reid, 26, is out of contract at the end of the season and while manager Sam Allardyce is determined to keep him at Upton Park, he admits a tempting offer could see him leave before the end of the month.

Following the news that Mathieu Debuchy will be out for three months following surgery on a dislocated shoulder, Arsene Wenger has made signing a defender a priority during the winter transfer window.

The Gunners boss suggested on Friday Reid was being considered, but Silkman has warned Wenger the New Zealand international may not be the solution to his problems.

"It he doesn't sign the new deal in the next seven days then he won't be signing," Silkman told talkSPORT.

"He's a really good player. How good he can help a team in the Champions League remains to be seen. His best position is as a central defender. When he played for New Zealand he played right of the three centre halves so half like a right back and half as a centre half.

"The qualities that he hasn't got is to get forward and join in with the play, which in modern day football, your full backs have to get forward.

"He's an excellent defender, he's an excellent blocker of shots, but he is not a player who will come out of the back and play.

"Arsenal have to start getting defenders who defend. It is all well having defenders who can pass the ball but they have to be able to defend."

Wenger confirmed on Friday his staff are working overtime to bring in a defender and when asked if Reid was one of those under consideration he said: "Of course. We are out on the market and every day, all our scouts, all our people are working hard to find to find a defender.

"At the moment, we are looking more for the defensive department."