Alan Smith believes that Arsenal should sign Manchester United striker Danny Welbeck in light of a potential injury lay-off for Olivier Giroud.

The Frenchman has reportedly been ruled out for three months after injuring his ankle in his side's 2-2 draw with Everton, leaving the Gunners short on options up front.

Smith said that Welbeck would be an "excellent" addition to Wenger's men, after being told that he can leave Old Trafford by Louis van Gaal.

"If Giroud is going to be out for two or three months then you'd want Wenger to go in to the transfer market and get somebody else," Smith told Sky Sports News.

"I think he would make an excellent signing for somebody, he's had unfair criticism over the last couple of years really, he's been playing out of position at United and shunted around the park.

"Yes, his finishing hasn't been up to scratch at times but that comes from not playing in your regular position regularly. I think if he was given an extended spell through the middle where he likes it you would see a really top player develop. I would love to see him at Arsenal."

Arsenal face Besiktas in the second leg of their Champions League qualifying match at the Emirates on Wednesday.