The Daily Mirror claims Jose Mourinho’s public criticism over Chris Smalling and Luke Shaw last week has put Arsenal and Liverpool on alert.
If you are unaware, Mourinho publicly called out the United duo for playing through the pain barrier in the 3-1 win over Swansea last week, and it is believed their futures at Old Trafford under the Portuguese manage are under threat.
As a result, Arsenal have once again been linked with a move for Smalling.
The Gunners already added to their defence over the summer by signing Shkodran Mustafi from Valencia, but Wenger could potentially be a bidder for Smalling’s services should he be put up for sale as early as January.
So, if Mourinho does transfer list both England internationals in January, should Arsenal be interested in their services?
Personally, both would be welcomed additions to the Arsenal squad.
With Gabriel receiving mixed views from the Emirates faithful and Per Mertesacker’s yet to agree a new deal with his current one expiring at the end of the season, Smalling would be an ideal replacement. The 26-year-old was believed to be on Wenger’s radar before moving to Manchester United from Fulham, and the player himself is understood to have great admiration for the Frenchman.
As for Shaw, well despite Nacho Monreal being a regular at Arsenal and having three-years still left to run on his contract, the 30-year-old has recently admitted he would consider a move to Athletic Bilbao in the future, casting doubt over whether he will be at Arsenal much longer. And as for Kieran Gibbs, he clearly isn’t viewed as a regular, having started 69 games for Arsenal since the arrival of Monreal in January 2013. Wenger may be looking to add to this department and Shaw certainly has potential to succeed at a club like Arsenal.
I wouldn’t say Shaw and Smalling would be on top of my wishlist but, for the right price, these two would be good signings for the Gunners – more so the latter player than the former one mentioned.
