Arsenal have made an offer to sign Chris Smalling from Manchester United in the summer transfer window, according to reports in Italy.
The 30-year-old centre-back has spent this season out on loan at Roma after Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer deemed him surplus to requirements at Old Trafford.
The England international has impressed for the Serie A side and Roma are now interested in making the move a permanent one at the end of the season.
However, Roma are highly likely to face stern competition for Smalling’s signature, with Tottenham, Everton and Arsenal all preparing to test Manchester United’s resolve for the defender.
Italian publication Corriere dello Sport claim United already have an offer on the table from Arsenal, with the Gunners also asking for more ‘information’ regarding a potential summer deal.
With the Coronavirus outbreak at large, a return to England now looks a realistic option for Smalling.
Arsenal have already reinforced their backline with William Saliba (who arrived at the Emirates last summer but has spent the season out on loan to Saint Etienne) and brought in Pablo Mari from Flamengo on loan (with a permanent deal likely to ensue this summer) but Mikel Arteta is determined to add another defender to his squad and has identified Smalling as a viable option.
Roma were expecting to land Smalling for around £20million but Metro claims Manchester United are demanding a fee of at least £25million for the player’s sale.
