COLCHESTER United have bolstered their defensive ranks ahead of tomorrow's season-opener against Port Vale by signing former Arsenal left-back Cohen Bramall.

The 23-year-old left the Gunners at the end of last season and has now signed a two-year contract at the JobServe Community Stadium.

He will take squad number three.

Crewe-born Bramall made a dream move from Northern Premier League side Hednesford Town to Arsenal in January 2017.

During his time at the Gunners, he had a loan spell at Championship side Birmingham City, playing eight times for the Midlanders.

He returned to Arsenal and played in last season's EFL Trophy group stages for the Gunners' under-23s.

Bramall's move is subject to paperwork clearance from the relevant authorities.

The Gazette understands that he needed to be registered by 12pm today in order to feature against Vale.