It might not be the star signing all Gunners fans expect to see in this new era of Arsenal FC, but it seems there could be an opportunity rising.
According to a report from the Daily Mirror, Manchester United defender Chris Smalling is considering his future at the club after a falling out with his new boss.
Jose Mourinho has often called out Smalling for his lack of fight, and it seems their last Premier League game could be the final straw for his United career.
After cruising to a 3-1 victory over Swansea, Mourinho seemed to slam Smalling and Luke Shaw for pulling out of the squad last-minute with injury fears.
Mourinho went on to state the duo need to “play through the pain”, suggesting that they had no desire to fight for their place in a starting XI that has been so inconsistent this season.
Smalling hasn’t featured for United since the embarrassing 4-0 loss to Chelsea on October 23rd, and he’s a big doubt to feature against the Gunners when the two sides meet next Saturday.
So what does this all mean for Arsenal? Well, Arsene Wenger has been a long-term admirer of the 26-year-old before the England international moved to United in 2010.
The centre back has gone on to make 142 appearances for the Red Devils, having been a big part of the up’s and down’s over the last few seasons regarding the replacement of Alex Ferguson.
But it looks as if this could one manager too many for Smalling, and his situation isn’t improving after several falling-out’s with the former Chelsea boss.
Mourinho’s relentless attitude to management means he would have no concerns over Smalling’s loyalty to the club, and wouldn’t be bothered about letting him go.
Selling him to his arch-enemy Wenger is another story, but if Arsenal are going to plan for the long-term then Smalling could be the perfect answer.
Both Gabriel and Per Mertesacker don’t have concrete futures under Wenger after summer signings Shkodran Mustafi and Rob Holding impressed during the early stages of the campaign.
With his years of Premier League experience and the bonus feature of him being an English international, Wenger would jump at the chance to get his hands on the defender!
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