Arsenal are reportedly set to join Tottenham in the battle for Manchester United defender Chris Smalling, who could be the centre of plenty of attention in the summer transfer window.
Gazette dello Sport report via The Express that the Gunners are happy to pay the £25m asking price set by the Manchester-based club as they aim to cash-in on their 30-year-old defender, who this season has enjoyed a resurrection season out on loan with AS Roma.
Smalling has been one of Roma’s top performing players this year, with the 31-capped English international having the fourth highest WhoScored rating in the squad this campaign as well as the joint-best score for a centre-back in the entire division, with the Manchester United loanee averaging 4.5 clearances per game as well as 2 interceptions.
Are Jose's Tactics Holding Us Back?Our Strengths Suit A Front Foot ApproachHe Doesn't Have A Choice With Our Injuries |
This impressive resurgence in one of Europe’s top-five leagues has seen interest in Smalling ramp up in recent weeks, with Tuttosport reporting that the north London club are confident in securing a deal for the defender despite Roma’s eagerness to sign the centre-back on a permanent deal.
Yet it appears that Spurs aren’t the only Premier League side interested to sign Smalling with this latest report from Gazette dello Sport, with Everton also being quoted as another team keen on the former Fulham defender, and for Tottenham, their efforts in signing the England international could result in a bidding war of sorts.
With The Express reporting that Jose Mourinho is eager to upgrade on Tottenham’s defence this summer, Smalling could be an excellent addition to the backline given his experience in the Premier League as well as resurgence to form during his current spell with Roma, and yet despite his age, the Manchester United defender could be the ideal short-term fix for the Spurs backline that the north London club desperately need.