Gunners Issue No Comment Over Upson Rumours

Last updated : 03 September 2002 By Rob Cooper
Matthew Upson
UPSON: Will he / won't he wear the blue hoops of the Royals?
The Matthew Upson to Reading saga goes on. Earlier Alan Pardew declined to rule out a loan move for the defender who has fallen out of favour at Highbury, now the Double Winners decline to comment of the speculation.

Upson, a former Luton Town player, is not believed to be keen on moving to the Madejski even on a tempoary basis prefering instead to play in the Arsenal reserves.

However, manager Arsene Wenger is keen to establish a good relationship with the Royals after being impressed with the set up at Reading.

The Frenchman wants his 23-year-old centre-back, who has struggled with injury in the past, to gain some first team experience.

Both the Royals and the Gunners are keeping tight-lipped at the moment - neither want to reveal the latest information regarding the possible switch.

Arsenal spokeswoman Katie Willis told Reading MAD: "We are linked with many moves for players in and out of the club, consequently we do not wish to comment on the speculation.

"Matthew Upson has a contract with Arsenal Football Club and therefore remains very much a part of Arsene's squad."

Reading's good relationship with the Gunners enabled rookie shotstopper Jamie Ashdown on loan at the end of last season, the two clubs have also arranged a behind closed doors reserve team friendly for next week.

Ashdown, meanwhile, who is currently on loan at Bournemouth, has spent some time in Reading recuperating after suffering thumb and knee injuries during the Cherries goalless draw with Kidderminster last weekend.

Alan Pardew could choose to terminate his loan spell if Phil Whitehead carries out his threat to quit the club after being dropped in favour of Marcus Hahnemann.