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Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has confirmed his intention to bring in defensive reinforcements despite the excellent showing of youngster Calum Chambers during his side’s Community Shield triumph over Man City and is to register a cheeky £6m bid for Man United defender Chris Smalling.
The Emirates Stadium side saw Thomas Vermaelen complete his £15m move to Barcelona and Wenger is keen to replace the Belgian and believes that Old Trafford boss Louis van Gaal is open to selling England man Smalling.
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The Dutch manager had sought to use the Smalling as part of a player plus cash bid for Vermaelen, an offer swiftly turned down by the north London outfit, and as such Wenger feels that the former Fulham man is very much surplus to requirements.
Wenger had pursued Smalling earlier in the adaptable defender’s career and feels he may be able to tempt the Londoner back to the capital, especially if the player feels his place at Man United is untenable.
Man United may feel that Smalling is worth more than the £6m offered by Arsenal but Louis van Gaal is said to be keen on conducting a clear-out as he looks to bring in further additions before the summer transfer window slams shut and as such may look to negotiate on the matter.
Smalling can effectively fill right-back and central defensive roles but van Gaal’s ongoing pursuit of a number of players in those two positions would indicate a determination to avoid using the England international in a prominent role which in turn may lead the 24 year old to believe his future at Man United is under threat.
Though Smalling failed to impress last season he is a player Wenger feels can add something to his squad and with the Arsenal manager looking to challenge on multiple fronts he feels he needs to bring in more strength in depth and likes the Man United man’s versatility.
Man United signed Smalling in a deal said to be worth around £10m back in January 2010 and has gone on to make 123 appearances for the club though has never been a nailed on first choice starter.
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