Arsenal are eyeing a shock move for Manchester United defender Chris Smalling, according to reports.
Gunners boss Arsene Wenger is looking to add a central defender this month and has been monitoring West Brom centre-back Jonny Evans.
CLAIM YOUR FREE £20 BET Sun Bets have this brilliant offer when you sign up and bet a fiver
However, the former United defender prefers a move back to the North-West with Manchester City favourites.
Wenger wanted Smalling, 28, as part of the deal allowing Alexis Sanchez to move to Old Trafford, according to the Gambling Times.
The Frenchman also enquired about Anthony Martial, that was also rebuffed by Jose Mourinho.
READ MORE:
- How Brazil’s misfit midfield transformed them into World Cup favourites
- 11 stats, facts and quirks that will make you think very differently about the Premier League this season
- QUIZ: Can you name the last 10 players to score for England?
Now Arsenal are set to make another tilt at the England international who is enjoying an extended run in the side following the injury to Eric Bailly.
Bailly is not expected to be available until next month and United could be open to allowing Smalling to move on.
The 28-year-old who has lost his place in the Three Lions squad has made 27 appearances for United and helped keep a clean sheet on Saturday in the win at Burnley.
Smalling snubbed the chance to move to the Emirates when he opted to move to Old Trafford in 2010.
The defender has 18 months left on his current deal with an option for the club to extend it by a further 12 months.