With Kolo Toure's £15 Million Departure, Which Defender Should Arsenal Buy?

Kolo Toure seems certain now to depart the Emirates and move north to join Manchester City. The Ivorian, who is the longest serving Gunner in Arsenal's current squad, has fallen out with fellow defender William Gallas and is seeking a move.

Manchester City has offered £15 million for the center half, and Arsene Wenger is set to accept the bid.

The Arsenal defence will now severely lack pace, strength, and experience. But Arsenal now has a healthy amount of cash to spend, and if the club can attract a big-name defender, the mood will change throughout the Arsenal community.

The obvious first pick to replace the presence of Kolo Toure would be Fulham's Brede Hangeland.

The Norwegian center half is strong, experienced, tall, and aggressive. He would bring incredible depth to the Arsenal lineup and would reassure fans that the Arsenal defence is no longer shaky.

Hangeland enjoyed a stellar season with Fulham in 2008-09, and it would be great if he reproduced that form for Arsenal. However, the defender would cost around £15 million, and Fulham is eager to hold onto its solid Norwegian.

Another option would be Joleon Lescott. The Everton defender is strong and powerful and rises up well to clear headers. The England international is experienced and would be a cheaper option than Hangeland.

There is also Sebastien Bassong. The Newcastle defender may not be as prestigious and experienced as the latter, but at 23, Bassong still has huge potential, and under the guidance of Wenger he is likely to go far. Bassong is also considerably cheaper than Lescott and Hangeland. Best of all, he is keen to join Arsenal.

Arsenal could also look at asking for a trade agreement with City; whilst Toure goes north, promising defender Micah Richards comes south. Richards is only 20 yet has a world of experience under his belt. The Englishman made his debut at 17 and has already represented England.

He would bring much-needed speed and power to the Arsenal back line.

Of course, it is all up to Wenger what happens with the money that is earned from Toure's departure.

Which defender should Arsenal buy with Kolo Toure's £15 million departure?