Rumour: Arsenal trying to sign Chris Smalling from Manchester United

Chris Smalling in action against Arsenal

It is believed Arsene Wenger will offer £12 million pounds in the 2014 summer transfer window to Manchester United to lure in the towering English centre-back, Chris Smalling.

Arsene Wenger reportedly wanted to sign Smalling back in 2010 before Sir Alex Ferguson intervened to snatch the talented centre-back away from Arsenal’s grap. “It just looks like Manchester United offered more money than us” said Wenger after failing to sign Smalling in 2010.

Smalling openly came out in the English media and said he is an Arsenal fan, although he is loyal to Manchester United. “I was a fan,of Arsenal..Tony Adams was a true leader. Him and Martin Keown’s relationship was very good at the heart of that defence. I liked Thierry Henry. I watched Arsenal so much on TV. I did get the chance to go to Highbury and the Emirates when it first opened.” said Smalling in an interview.

Arsenal are facing a tough situation at the back and although Laurent Koscielny and Per Mertesacker forms a formidable pairing at the heart of Arsenal’s defence, they fail to stop the flow of goals against bigger oppositions.

Club captain Thomas Vermaelen is not assured about his future at Arsenal as he has not been a regular this season and Bacary Sagna has still not signed a contract extension. Bringing in the versatile Smalling will definitely boost Arsenal’s defensive line up as he can play both the roles at centre-back and right-back.

Arsenal are also one of the front runners to sign Sebastian Jung , the fullback from Eintracht Frankfurt. If not Smalling, Arsenal will be more than happy to land up the highly rated 23 year old German international.