The Gunners have their eye on Smalling.
Manchester United defender Chris Smalling has emerged as a surprise January transfer target for Arsenal as manager Arsene Wenger looks to bolster his back line, according to the Mirror.
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Wenger has made defensive recruitment a priority in the New Year with the Gunners squad already down to the bare bones at the back after a few injuries.
French duo Mathieu Debuchy and Laurent Koscielny are both suffering with long-term problems, meaning Calum Chambers, Kieran Gibbs, Per Mertesacker and Nacho Monreal are the only available first team options.
Young right-back Hector Bellerin has been called upon at times, but Wenger knows that more experienced options are needed if the North London side are to make another serious challenge for the Champions League places.
Smalling could be available to sign from Old Trafford after failing to convince Louis van Gaal of his credentials and the Dutchman could be open to selling the 24-year-old in January.
Partly due to fitness issues the England international has managed just five appearances in 2014/15 – all in the Premier League – and van Gaal prefers both Phil Jones and Marcos Rojo ahead of him at centre-back.
Samlling isn’t the only star of the English top tier on Wenger’s wishlist however, with Aston Villa captain Ron Vlaar also being targeted, whilst the Frenchman also has his eye on Celtic’s Virgil van Dijk.