Former Liverpool star-turned-pundit Steve Nicol feels Arsenal should complete a deal for Manchester United defender Chris Smalling during the summer transfer window.
The Gunners are currently in the search for players to improve the overall shape of the squad following an average season in the Premier League last term.
Arsenal finished outside of the top four for the first time under head coach Arsene Wenger and this will see them ply his trade in the Europa League, where they would require additional recruits.
The likes of Per Mertesacker, Gabriel and Calum Chambers could provide sufficient backup in the central defensive department next term, but Nicol insists that the club may require another centre-back in their ranks in the form of Chris Smalling.
“If I am an Arsenal fan, I’d be asking, are we a place for Manchester United’s cast offs?” he is quoted by The Daily Star. “Let’s be honest, that’s not to be harsh on Smalling and Welbeck, it’s just a fact.
“I see this happening because Arsenal need centre-halves. They have injury problems. I think Smalling will end up at Arsenal.”
Chris Smalling, 27, had been pursued by Wenger during the summer of 2015, but their advances came to no avail with then United boss Louis van Gaal declining the approach.
The England international followed to earn the club’s Player of the Season award for the 2015/16 season but did not manage to produce a similar showing under Jose Mourinho last term.
The signing of Victor Lindelof has put Smalling on the cusp of leaving Old Trafford, and he could favour a switch to north London with Arsenal, who also tracked him during his time at Fulham.
