Arsenal told to go for Smalling

Arsenal should try and bring Manchester United reject Chris Smalling to the Emirates, according to Martin Keown.

Following the arrival of Harry Maguire to Old Trafford this summer, Smalling was unwilling to risk losing his spot in the team, and he made his way to AS Roma on loan as a replacement for Kostas Manolas, who joined Napoli. Since then, there have been numerous reports of the Serie A side trying to make the deal permanent with Smalling’s form over there being excellent, though United denied receiving any such offers.

Meanwhile, Arsenal parted ways with former captain Laurent Koscielny and signed David Luiz from Chelsea instead, but even with the Brazilian in the team and Rob Holding back from long-term injury absence, there is still a distinct lack of leadership in their back line. And former Arsenal defender Keown believes Smalling could be the man to provide it.

Speaking for BT Sport, Keown also said that the £13 million that United reportedly want for him is a bargain price for a centre-back of his quality.