Arsene Wenger reacts at the Barclays Premiere League match between Chelsea and Arsenal at Stamford Bridge, London, United Kingdoms (22/3). Richard Heathcote/Getty Images
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Daily Star has released a shocking report that Arsenal’s helmsman Arsene Wenger has been keen on Manchester United’s Chris Smalling for his admirable performance as a center or right defender.
Wenger is reportedly preparing £13 million to put The Gunners jersey on Smalling. Wenger is also convinced that United’s boss David Moyes will sell the player.
David Moyes has been rumored to make a big change in the United’s squad list by searching for new defender.
Chris Smalling was brought by Alex Ferguson for £11 million. The 24-year-old defender was planned to work with Phil Jones to succeed Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand. But in his third year at the club, the former Fulham’s player has not been Ferguson’s or Moyes’ main option.
Wenger’s decision is highly unusual since he is known to prefer young players. In addition, Smalling’s struggleing to get into the starting eleven in his team shows that he is not so special.
Smalling would not be the first United’s player to move to Arsenal. Previously, Mikael Silvestre had been on the list of United’s player who later played for Arsenal.