Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is chasing West Ham United defender Matthew Upson.

The Mirror says Wenger is desperate to sign a centre-half in the January transfer window and has earmarked Upson as the deal candidate.

Should the 29-year-old move to the Emirates, in what is being suggested will be a £12 million deal, it would mark a remarkable u-turn for the England defender.

Upson began his top-flight career at Arsenal before being sold to Birmingham in 2003 for just £3m.

Reports suggest that £5m-rated striker Nicklas Bendtner will be used as part exchange in the deal.