Arsenal are on the verge of signing out-of-favour Mikael Silvestre from Premier League rivals Manchester United.

Newspaper reports in England are claiming that Gunners boss Arsene Wenger is desperate to find cover for current incumbent Gael Clichy, and that the Frenchman sees Silvestre as the ideal choice.

Silvestre joined the Red Devils from Inter Milan in 1999, but has since seen his place taken by the ever impressive Patrice Evra.

His first team berth has also been hampered by the rise of Nemanja Vidic who Sir Alex Fereguson views as the ideal partner for Rio Ferdinand at the heart of the reigning Premier League champions' defence.

Manchester City had looked odds on to sign Silvestre but that move floundered as soon as the 31-year-old heard of Arsenal's interest.

"Arsene has been looking for experienced cover for Gael Clichy and he knows all about Mikael," an Arsenal source was quoted as saying.

"Arsene has followed his career with France and at United and the fact he is French is a bonus."

Despite the latest developments, Arsenal will have a fight on their hands to land Silvestre, with Celtic, Aston Villa and Portsmouth also chasing the defender who has 40 France caps to his name.