Arsenal should revive previous interest in Manchester United enforcer Chris Smalling

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Earlier this week Tottenham and Everton were linked with a move for Manchester United defender Chris Smalling (Corriere dello Sport). If the centre-back is to become available in the summer, however, then Arsenal should most certainly revive their previous interest.

According to The Mirror, Smalling was a target for the Gunners as recent as December. The report claimed that Arsenal had one eye on the defender ahead of a move during the summer.

It isn’t the first time the Londoners have been linked with the England international either. In 2015, he was linked with a £12 million move to the Gunners by The Telegraph.

Smalling rediscovered himself during a loan spell in Serie A with Roma. The 30-year-old has played 24 times in all competitions, helping the club to fifth in the league and the last 32 of the Europa League, where the face Belgian outfit Gent.

Some people have even touted Smalling as someone who could win a place back in the England fold – and that’s not a surprise. The Manchester United man has a pass success ratio of 90% this season, he wins four aerials a game on average and makes just shy of five clearances (Who Scored).

Arsenal will almost certainly try and target a centre-back in the summer. David Luiz, Shkodran Mustafi and Sokratis are all capable of having erratic moments; whilst Callum Chambers and Rob Holding can’t seem to stay fit.

Experience

Smalling has 323 appearances to his name at Manchester United and his experience could be a useful attribute. After his season at Roma, his confidence is sure to be sky high too, which makes him more attractive.

United value Smalling at £16.5 million and for a player boasting such experience and know-how, that could prove an absolute steal. His £70,000-a-week wage would also be within Arsenal’s reach.

Arsenal fans might want a bigger name like Jonathan Tah from Leverkusen, or Dayot Upamecano from Red Bull Leipzig. They will cost far more, however, therefore representing a far bigger risk.

Reviving their previous interest makes perfect sense from an Arsenal perspective and he could be a real star in Mikel Arteta’s team next season.