Is Matthew Upson A Suitable Replacement For Kolo Toure At Arsenal?

Reports say that West Ham are being forced to offload center back Matthew Upson due to financial reasons. The Hammers are believed to have put a £10 million price tag on the Englishmen's head, which may be a sign for Arsenal.

Having lost their senior center half Kolo Toure to Manchester City, Arsene Wenger is eager to fin a replacement for his experienced defender. With Arsenal having around £25 million to spend thanks to Manchester City, Matthew Upson could be a perfect replacement.

Having already played for the Gunners in 1997 to 2003, the 30-year-old has been on Wenger's list for a while. It's obvious Wenger regrets selling the English international and may look to bring Upson back to his former club.

Upson is built with strength, power, solid-heading ability and experience. The West Ham defender has proven to be a reliable "rock" in Gianfranco Zola's defence. Upson would fit nicely next to Wiliam Gallas and would also help boost leadership quality through out Arsenal.

But is Matthew Upson a suitable replacement for Kolo Toure?

At £10 million, that's not too shabby for Arsenal seeing as Wenger spent that much on the Gunners only summer signing so far, Thomas Vermaelen.

If Upson is captured by Wenger, it will mean Arsenal will have six quality center backs—William Gallas, Johan Djourou, Thomas Vermaelen, Mikael Silvestre, and Alexandre Song.

That will hopefully cure Arsenal's trophy drought.

So, is Matthew Upson worthy of Kolo Toure's role?