Former Hammer George McCartney is being linked with a surprise move to Arsenal.

The Irish full back, who was released by West Ham at the end of the 2013/14 season appeared to be on his way to Sydney FC in the A-League following recent talks.However the current defensive injury crisis at the Emirates - which has seen both first choice full backs Mathieu Debuchy and Calum Chambers ruled out through injury - has left Gunners boss Arsene Wenger seeking an emergency signing.With the transfer window having closed a fortnight ago, the only players allowed to sign for a club are those currently out of contract. And that has left McCartney in pole position to land a temporary deal with the north Londoners.Now 33, the former Irish international enjoyed two spells at West Ham, the latter ending in June of this year after his two-year contract, signed in 2012, expired.Since then McCartney, who West Ham sold for ?8million in 2009 before landing him again on a nominal fee three years later, has been without a club.Meanwhile McCartney's former team mate Jack Collison also remains without a club, despite having spent time on trial with both Ipswich and Premier League newcomers Queens Park Rangers.The 25-year-old Welsh international is currently training with Birmingham City. Manager Lee Clarke told the Birmingham Mail: "When there is a player like Jack Collison on the open market, he is a terrific footballer, obviously there's going to be interest."But we have just let him come in and train with us, to have a look. There's nothing imminent in terms of potential signings etcetera. Jack has footed his own expenses to come in and train."Collison is understood to have received a contract offer from City's Championship rivals Ipswich, but is said to be weighing up his options.