The PFA have offered assistance to Arsenal legend Kenny Sansom after it emerged he was homeless.

The Daily Mail says Sansom had confessed to sleeping rough on a park bench but has been taken to hotel accommodation, funded by the players' union, where he is being professionally counselled under the guidance of the PFA's head of player welfare, Michael Bennett.

Sansom won 86 England caps and cost Arsenal more than £1million when he moved from Crystal Palace in 1980. But, since retiring almost 20 years ago, the former left back has had long battles with alcohol and gambling.

The 54-year-old had been temporarily lodging with his sister Mary, but moved on and was picked up by the PFA after his family sounded the alarm.

Arsenal also remain in contact through their ex-players' association. He has worked on Arsenal's in-house television channel and, up to a month ago, as one of the legends who regularly lead tours of the Emirates Stadium.

"We have been providing him with ongoing support and guidance," said an Arsenal spokesman.