Arsenal Transfer Prospect: Wenger To Up the Anti on Chris Smalling Deal

After much speculation and denial that Arsene Wenger was to make an offer for talented Fulham defender Chris Smalling. Rumour has it that the Arsenal manager is set to offer £8 million for the talented youngster.

It was initially thought Wenger would not go after the 20-year-old but now it seems the Frenchman is extremely keen to snap up the Englishman. Smalling is a young and extremely talented center half who has already made a handful of appearances for the Cottagers. 

Fulham manager Roy Hodgson is very eager to keep the up and coming star at Craven Cottage but with Wenger prepared to offer £8 million for the youngster, things may happen.

It was only months ago when Arsenal were after another Fulham defender in Brede Hangeland. Arsene Wenger is in need of another defender after Philippe Senderos was given to Everton on loan. Arsenal current center halves, William Gallas and Thomas Vermaelen, have been in terrific form and also avoided injury.

However with only Sol Campbell and Mikael Silvestre the only spare central defenders, who are both over 30. Smalling could be a useful asset and put some much needed pressure on Gallas and Vermaelen.

The former Maidstone United defender is strong and powerful with a great leap and good feet. Smalling is over 6'4" so he offers great aerial threat from set pieces in both attack and defence. Smalling is also still at a tender age 20 and has a huge future ahead of him.

With Wenger mentor the youngster and the likes of William Gallas and Sol Campbell around him. An Arsenal move could be wise.