Arsenal are reportedly said to be eyeing a fresh attempt to sign Manchester United defender Chris Smalling when the transfer window reopens in the summer.
The England international had been on the Gunners’ radar previously in 2010 and 2014, with the form being the time when he turned down Arsene Wenger’s side for a move to Old Trafford from Fulham.
According to The Star, the Gunners are still said to hold a keen interest in Jonny Evans, who could be available for a cut-price deal of just £3m, should West Bromwich Albion fail to beat the drop at the end of the season.
However, with competition from the likes of Manchester City and Leicester City, the club have a back-up option with Wenger potentially looking to revive their interest in Smalling, who has been up for criticism of late.
Smalling was panned by the United’s faithful for his reckless dive which played a part in the defeat to Newcastle United last weekend, but he has since put in a strong performance in the 2-0 triumph over Huddersfield in the FA Cup.
Arsenal are on the search for a centre-back with Premier League experience who can steady the ship at the back, and Smalling is surely not an option, given his inconsistency in games.
The Englishman can put in stellar performances which earn him praise from the fans, but he is equally disappointing in the backend of matches, where things do not go his way.
Like teammate Phil Jones, the 28-year-old has not quite lived up to his full potential regardless of his vast experience in Premier League football, and the £25m valuation talked about could be better spent on a different player, who is less experienced, but capable of handling pressure at crunch intervals.
