Arsenal are in the market for a defensive midfielder in the January transfer window, and former Gunner Charlie Nicholas has suggested a strange/interesting (depending on your perspective) choice for Arsene Wenger to sign in the January transfer window.

The Gunners are struggling for numbers in the holding midfield department at the moment after long-term injuries to Francis Coquelin and Mikel Arteta. Mathieu Flamini is the only other specialist option for Wenger, with the Arsenal manager forced to deploy Calum Chambers in the role against Bournemouth on Monday, after the Frenchman picked up an ankle problem.

Also Read

While Chambers impressed in the position, there is little doubt Arsenal need a specialist, and according to Nicholas that specialist should be Michael Carrick of Manchester United.

"The one key position [that Arsenal need] is a holding midfield player," Nicholas told Sky Sports. "I don't know why he [Wenger] wouldn't go for anyone with Premier League experience.

"I would be amazed if Arteta isn't finished as a player. Flamini will probably go and [Tomas] Rosicky is probably done. That's three players with great experience between them. It makes sense for me to go for someone between the age of 30-32.

"I think there are a few about and if I was Arsenal I would go for Carrick. He's not got the legs and pace but I think you need somebody with experience who has authority and gets the ball and passes it.

"I am not saying he would play every week because Coquelin will be back when he is fit, but Carrick could teach as well as play. Someone has to teach these players how to play positions. I would bring him in for a few seasons and also go out and buy."

It is hard to imagine Manchester United sanctioning a deal for Carrick in January, while Wenger is always reluctant to sign players over 30 – Carrick is 34 and a little injury prone. The fact that the midfielder is a former Tottenham player will also be a factor to consider for Arsenal.

While the Carrick move looks unrealistic -- and that is being optimistic -- Arsenal are making moves to sign that defensive midfielder in January, with several reports suggesting the English Premier League side are close to completing the signing of Mohamed Elneny from FC Basel.