Arsenal Transfer Issue: Should Arsenal Swap Kolo Toure for Micah Richards?

Arsene Wenger looks set to capture talented Belgium defender Thomas Vermaelen from Ajax. This allows Wenger to sell one of his defenders, and it is starting to look like it will be Arsenal's best center half, Kolo Toure.

Toure, who was set to leave North London in the January transfer window, is now set to depart the Emirates and join Manchester City on a deal of about £10 million. The deal will also see England international Micah Richards depart City and join Arsene Wenger's youthful squad.

The English 20-year-old, who only last year was tipped as the next big thing, has seen a drop in form this season, and according to City manager Mark Hughes, the defender suffers from attitude problems.

Nevertheless, Richards has obvious talent and would be a good addition to the Arsenal squad. He is still incredibly young but has played in over 100 games for Manchester City. Richards has shown impressive strength, confidence in the air, and much-needed aggression whilst playing at Manchester City.

He would fit into the youthfulness of the Arsenal squad, and hopefully under the watchful eye of Wenger he would return to the form that had him tipped as the next big thing.

However, Arsenal could be losing one of their leaders and best defenders. Toure is a vital part of Arsenal's defence and is also the most capped player.

It was evident that either Toure or fellow center half William Gallas would be elsewhere in 2009-2010. Many expected it to be 32-year-old Gallas, but things are looking different.

Should Arsenal let their Ivorian back depart London in order to get a youngster with huge promise?