After his most faux pas some will be surprised to hear that the name of Chris Smalling is reportedly back on the radar at Arsenal. His stock has fallen since the rash double yellow against Manchester City, which spoke of a player who remains impulsive at 24.
We still don’t know for sure whether this guy is the next Bobby Moore or Carlton Palmer. When he joined United he looked like an unbelievably good prospect – lightning fast with really good distribution, aggression and reading of the game. But his United career has since been pock-marked with errors and he has suffered periodic injury setbacks.
That said, he does have all the raw materials to be a top centre back and, if he gets a long run in the team, could become just that.
The Daily Mail adds that Arsenal are also planning to pursue their interest in Ron Vlaar, the sturdy Aston Villa defender who is out of contract next summer, and long-term target Virgil van Dijk.
Of the three we think Vlaar could be a good, solid signing for Arsenal. Van Dijk looks good in Scotland but that doesn’t necessarily mean he’ll cut it in England. As for Smalling, it’s anyone’s guess which way he will go.
Let’s see Vlaar in action. Arsenal fans: worth a punt?
