Arsenal make offer for Manchester United star?

Arsenal are understood to have made contact with Manchester United as they seek to land the signature of Chris Smalling this summer.

The England international joined AS Roma on a season-long loan at the beginning of the season and he has since impressed in his 28 appearances for the side.

The Serie A outfit are already in talks to sign him on a permanent basis but reports indicate that they may struggle to meet the £25m price tag unless they qualify for the Champions League.

According to Corriere dello Sport, the Gunners have revived their long-term interest in the centre-back and have already made an enquiry over his availability this summer.

Smalling is expected to return to Old Trafford when his loan contract concludes and he could thereafter head for a permanent exit, considering he is unlikely to settle for a deputy role.

Victor Lindelof and Harry Maguire are currently the regular choices under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer for the central defensive positions while the likes of Eric Bailly, Phil Jones and Axel Tuanzebe can provide the back-up.