Arsenal are lining up a £12m summer bid for Manchester United defender Chris Smalling, with Arsene Wenger having long admired the centre-back.
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Smalling’s contract is set to expire next summer, making his Old Trafford future uncertain, and the Mirror report that the Frenchman is carefully monitoring the England international’s current situation.
The Gunners boss’ interest in the 25-year-old dates back to 2010 – when Man United won the battle for his signature from Fulham – but he could finally land his man this summer if a new contract with the Red Devils isn’t agreed.
With question marks still raised over the performances of Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny, and with a plethora of midfield and attacking options, the North London outfit’s focus must be on strengthening their defensive woes.
However, in four seasons at the club, the Old Trafford faithful have not been entirely convinced by Smalling’s ability, and Arsenal fans surely won’t be hugely excited by Wenger’s latest transfer target.