Upson: Former England Under-21 international (PhilCole/GettyImages)

The First Division club were linked with a move for the centre-back earlier in the week but manager Alan Pardew dismissed the speculation, claiming he was not planning to move for any player.

However, Upson today confirmed that he had completed his move from Highbury to the Madejski Stadium.

'I met the lads before we headed off to training and I'm very pleased to be here. It's a good club with a good foundation and I am looking forward to playing some matches,' he said.

The centre-back goes straight into the reckoning for a place in the Royals' starting XI against Rotherham on Saturday.

The former England Under-21 international has never managed to win a regular place in Arsene Wenger's side, although he did get a run in the first team last season due to injuries. He played in 22 games for the Gunners, earning a Championship medal in the process.

However, the Hartismere-born player broke his leg in February which ruined his chances of cementing a place in the first eleven. He has not played for Arsenal this season.

The pacy defender has also had two temporary moves in order to gain first team experience. He joined Crystal Palace for three months at the end of the 2000/01 season, and also spent two weeks with Nottingham Forest last December.

The 23-year-old's chances of breaking into the Highbury side have further been reduced by the signing of French star Pascal Cygan during the summer, with Sol Campbell and Martin Keown being the first choice pairing at the back.