Arsenal will have to improve their £12m bid for Manchester United’s Chris Smalling, if they wish to bring him to the Emirates at the end of the season. Reports from The Manchester Evening News claimed that the Gunners have made an initial offer and were looking to complete the move for the England international, having previously signed Danny Welbeck last summer.
Manager Louis van Gaal had previously blocked the 25-year-old’s move away from Old Trafford, yet now Smalling has failed to adapt to the Dutchman’s style of play. The Dutch manager wanted to sign Thomas Vermaelen as a replacement when he left North London, but the move failed, as Arsene Wenger wanted Smalling in exchange. The former Arsenal skipper ultimately joined Barcelona in a £15m transfer, however is sidelined till now due to injury. If Wenger wants his man, he will have to improve his current bid which might force the Red Devils into reconsidering selling their center-back.