Arsenal have been heavily linked with a move Manchester United defender Chris Smalling but now there’s every chance the Gunners might miss out on him – as per reports.
Smalling has been sent out on loan to AS Roma this season and the English international has performed extraordinarily well in the Serie A playing in 21 league matches.
And recently there had been reports about Roma wanting to make the deal permanent at the end of the season since the manager has been really impressed by him.
Apart from Roma, Arsenal also want the services of the centre-back meaning there was supposed to be a transfer battle between the North London side and AS Roma – more so since Manchester United did not want him back.
Now a report in The Sun is claiming that Chris Smalling is not likely to join the Serie A side due to the club’s financial irregularities which is supposed to be a good thing for Arsenal.
But the report also goes on to add that Solskjaer has been really impressed with the defender’s performances this season and is looking to bring him back at Old Trafford.
A source told The Sun: “We know Chris would love to stay and it is a deal which suits all parties at the end of the season.
“The financial reality, however, is very different. The people at Roma have many new things to consider.
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“Ole had to make a quick decision call to send Chris out on loan last summer because Marcos Rojo’s move to Everton collapsed at a late stage. The manager wasn’t surprised how well Chris has performed at Roma and does remain a fan of his.”
This news will surely be a massive blow for Arsenal and their hopes of signing the Man United man since Mikel Arteta is badly in need of an experienced central defender before the upcoming season.
Yes, Ole is impressed with the defender but surely he is not too fond of him and given he has the likes of Bailly and Tuanzebe as appropriate backups, we think Arsenal still have a fair chance of signing him.
Manchester United reportedly want around £25 million in exchange of the player meaning Arsenal shouldn’t have too much trouble in paying the required fee given they can first convince the player to join them.
