Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has refused to confirm rumours he is planning a bid for West Ham ace Matthew Upson.
Wenger is currently without his first-choice centre-backs, Sebastien Squillaci and Thomas Vermaelen, due to injury and has admitted he could turn to the transfer market this month to help ease his defensive problems.
Reports have now suggested that England international Upson, whose deal with the Hammers expires at the end of the season, could make a return to the club he left for Birmingham City in 2003.
But speaking after the Gunners’ shock Carling Cup defeat to Ipswich Town, Wenger said: “Let's not think that we lost the game because we haven't bought a central defender.
“We lost the game because we didn't play as well as we can.
“We have only two central defenders and we are short but I do not want to speak about any particular name.
“Frankly I am just disappointed about our defeat. It is early to talk about a player coming in.”