Toure Transfer Fuels Upson Speculation

By Brian Lofrumento | 6th January 2009

Toure Transfer Fuels Upson Speculation | read this item

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toure v rooney Arsenal are center of most of today’s transfer rumors as The Guardian is reporting that Arsenal are in hot pursuit of West Ham’s Matthew Upson. The move will follow Kolo Toure’s departure to Manchester City.

Wenger is a known admirer of Upson, having previously purchased him in May of 1997 from Luton Town. In order to clinch the deal for the defender, Wenger is prepared to part with striker Niklas Bendtner, a player who would greatly benefit Gianfranco Zola’s West Ham. Arsenal’s main obstacle in the deal is West Ham’s reluctance to sell their star names, especially considering the uncertainty of the club’s ownership.

West Ham’s other transfer struggles involve Scott Parker negotiating a deal with Manchester City, Craig Bellamy a target for Tottenham, and Calum Davenport to Bolton. Meanwhile, Arsenal are determined to shore up their defense and midfield during this January transfer window, so Upson is targetted along with Portsmouth’s Niko Kranjcar.

If this move goes forward, it can only mean one thing for Kolo Toure. City are confident of securing a deal, so expect Arsenal to make a more serious move for Upson.

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