Manchester United have already got their hands on the first signing of the summer transfer window, as they have brought in Victor Lindelof from Benfica, the club that was crowned the Portuguese Super Lig champions in the recently concluded season. The Swedish international played a very important role in their triumphant season with his tower-like presence in the heart of their defence.
Jose Mourinho, the current man in charge at Old Trafford has been much sceptical about the performance of his defenders in the last season, as they were left with a sixth position finish in the Premier League. However, they made their way back into the Champions League, thanks to an inspired performance by the players to lift the Europa League trophy for the first time in the club’s history.
A number of players, including centre back Chris Smalling and left back Luke Shaw had been severely criticised by the Red Devils boss for their alleged lack of commitment during the last season. Among these, there is a good possibility that the English central defender might be offloaded during the next summer transfer window to make room for the new signing Victor Lindelof to be a part of the starting XI.
This has irked interests from quite a few clubs including Manchester United’s arch rivals Arsenal, who want to bag Smalling to strengthen their defence for the next season. The Gunners boss Arsene Wenger has opted for a new three-man defensive system in the last season and needs someone dependable to take charge of the backline and strengthen it.
According to reports, Arsenal have been looking to bring in the English defender in the starting of the last season as well, But Manchester United were not ready to let go off their prized possession at that time and the deal had to be taken off the table. This time, though, there have been no such obligations for the deal from any of the sides and it seems that the Gunners might finally get hold of their long-term target.
The English international has two more years left on his contract with the Red Devils but might not look to continue playing at Old Trafford owing to the bad taste left in his mouth due to the comments of the Portuguese mastermind, Mourinho in the last season.
Smalling’s teammate Phil Jones has also been criticised by Mourinho and might be leaving the club after the entry of Lindelof, who will be pairing with Eric Bailly in the heart of the defence.
