Arsenal will sign Manchester United defender Chris Smalling.

That is according to Liverpool legend Steve Nicol, who believes the Gunners could fill a need by signing the England international.

"I see this happening, because Arsenal need centre-backs," said Nicol on ESPN.

"They've got some injury problems, even though we are still way, way short of the season starting.

"I think Smalling will end up at Arsenal."

Arsenal suffered last season with constant injuries to centre-backs Laurent Koscielny and Gabriel.

And manager Arsene Wenger will need all the depth he can get at the position if persists with the 3-5-2 formation he used successfully at the end of last season.