Manchester United Transfer News: Chris Smalling wanted by Arsenal

Reports in English media suggest that Man United defender Chris Smalling could be approached by the Gunners as Wenger eyes Vermaelen replacement

Arsenal football club are thought to make a strong interest since the beginning of this summer transfer window and now various popular media in England suggest that Chris Smalling could play this season football in Arsenal colours.

The Englishman’s future at Old Trafford is uncertain since the arrival of Dutch manager Louis van Gaal and the Gunners are set to take advantage of the situation by snatching the 24 year old England international. His regular place in the starting lineup is further questioned as Argentine defender Marcos Rojo’s signing is now being imminent arrival at the club.

Arsenal have always been keen admirer of Smalling and Wenger is interested to make a new Arsenal team with British core. Arsenal currently contains several British stars in the name of Jack Wilshere, Aaron Ramsey, Oxlade Chamberlain, Theo Walcott. The Arsenal supremo has recently brought in one English player in teenager Calum Chambers from Southampton

Arsenal insiders believe that Wenger looks Smalling as a very capable defender and his signing will make the Gunners a team capable of winning every competition they take part in.A potential move for ex-Fulham man will further strengthened his backline and adding another homegrown player to his team.Smalling, 24, can play at right-back or at centre-back and started once for the Three Lions at the World Cup this summer. Smalling was a regular player in the team lineup under Sir Alex Ferguson but his departure from Man United hot seat last summer had negative performance in the Englishman’s career.

Even though a move to Arsenal is sensible, United’s failure in transfer market this summer has left Van Gaal already short of defenders at Old Trafford. This coupled with departures of three experienced defenders Nemanja Vidic, Rio Ferdinand and Patrice Evra, has made lack of quantity on defensive fronts for United.

With a 3-5-2 formation on the cards for this new season, Van Gaal looks he can’t afford to let any more central defenders go. So unless United sign their long term targets Mat Hummels or Mehdi Benetia, the transfer of Chris Smalling to Arsenal is unlikely.