Arsenal are hoping to beat their Premier League rivals to the signing of Manchester United defender Chris Smalling after his impressive form for Roma in Italy. The 30-year-old has impressed head coach Paulo Fonseca enough to secure a regular starting berth, and has added two goals in his nine league outings. Smalling was outlined as surplus to requirements at United after Harry Maguire joined from Leicester in the summer for a world-record fee for a defender, and he has formed a decent partnership with Victor Lindelof. Despite Arsenal having sacked Unai Emery and struggling since Freddie Ljungberg took over in temporary charge, the board seem to be continuing in their pursuit of possible transfer targets - which will come as a blow to fellow suitors Everton and Leicester. JUST IN: Mauricio Pochettino drops Arsenal hint with London return

Source: Express December 08, 2019 09:22 UTC