Former Arsenal forward Charlie Nicholas has urged Arsene Wenger to sign Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick in the January transfer window.

The Gunners are struggling as Francis Coquelin and Santi Cazorla are out of action with injuries. The two were playing alongside each other in the midfield and the injuries have forced Arsene Wenger to field Mathieu Flamini, who is currently the only recognised player in that position in the squad.

Louis van Gaal has the services of Morgan Schneiderlin, Bastian Schweinsteiger and Carrick as the three midfielders in the squad, along with Ander Herrera and Marouane Fellaini. The latter two can also play in the No 10 role.

The England international’s contract at Old Trafford will run down after the end of the season. Nicholas, who played for the north London club for four years between 1983 and 87 believes Carrick will be the right addition for Arsenal in January.

“The one key position is a holding midfield player. I don’t know why he (Arsene Wenger) wouldn’t go for anyone with Premier League experience,” Nicholas told Sky Sports.

“I would be amazed if (Mikel) Arteta isn’t finished as a player, (Mathieu) 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 (Francis) 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.”

Carrick is 34 (a year older than Arteta) so it’s unlikely that Arsenal will move for him either in January or next summer.

Arsenal are in talks to sign Basel midfielder Mohamed Elneny next month and has cleared his medical in Paris this morning.