Arsenal are being linked with a summer move for Manchester United defender Chris Smalling. According to recent reports coming out of Manchester, the Gunners are eyeing up a swoop for the English centre-back’s signature next summer. It is believed that the Red Devils will demand a fee in the region of £25m from the North Londoners for their prized asset. Smalling has been heavily touted to make a switch to London after the Gunners were unable to secure the services of ex-United defender Jonny Evans in the January transfer period last month.
Some sources are now claiming that the Reds of Manchester will use Evans’ asking price at West Bromwich Albion as a guide in any potential negotiations for the transfer of Smalling. The Baggies rejected a £10m bid for Evans last month and the same report claims the Baggies reckon that their centre-half is worth in the region of £25m.
Smalling could be an ideal option for the Gunners next summer as they look to strengthen their defensive options ahead of the new campaign. The Red Devils would reportedly be interested to do business at that price. United boss Jose Mourinho signed Eric Bailly as one of the key members of the United backline going into the future and they are also monitoring Toby Alderweireld’s situation at Tottenham Hotspur as they look to make more defensive acquisitions next summer which could open the door for Smalling to make a switch to the Emirates Stadium at the end of the season.
Arsenal have progressed into the Carabao Cup final, where they will face off against the Premier League champions-elect Manchester City, and they also are in pole position to secure a route to the next round of the Europa League. However, they have slumped to sixth place in the Premier League table, seven points shy of fourth-placed Chelsea and 27 behind league leaders Manchester City.
The potential addition of Smalling will definitely strengthen Arsene Wenger’s defensive options ahead of the next campaign as they try to bridge the gap between themselves and the Manchester clubs in the coming years.
Smalling has made 31 appearances in all competitions for the Red Devils this term, scoring a goal in the process. He has built up a brilliant partnership with Phil Jones at the heart of the United defence which has just conceded 19 goals this season making them the best defensive team in the top tier of English football. It remains to be seen whether the English centre-back ends up plying his trade in North London next season.
