Arsenal Transfer News: Chris Smalling Bid Readied, New Rumours on Petr Cech Fee

Arsenal are already making moves toward fixing their two obvious weaknesses this summer. The Gunners are preparing bids for Manchester United centre-back Chris Smalling and Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech.

Manager Arsene Wenger will offer £12 million for Smalling, according to The Telegraph's John Percy. Percy stated Wenger believes a move for the England international will boost Arsenal's homegrown quota.

The Frenchman has also been a fan of Smalling for some time. He tried to sign him from Fulham in 2010 but was bested by an 11th-hour bid from the Red Devils.

Smalling has struggled to make the grade since arriving at Old Trafford. He's been moved from the middle to full-back and back again.

Jon Super/Associated Press

His struggles have meant Smalling's future remains uncertain after this season. Percy noted that Smalling's contract will end after next season.

Mirror reporter David McDonnell has claimed Ed Woodward, United's executive vice-chairman, has actually started talks with Smalling's representatives.

The player has featured more often recently, particularly at his natural position in the middle. There has been some improvement in his performances.

Smalling makes an interesting target for the Gunners. He's hardly cultured and composed in possession, often taking a no-nonsense approach to defending.

Of course, given the calamities that have plagued Arsenal's defence throughout most of the last decade, a no-frills defender could be a welcome tonic. Smalling certainly possesses pace, height and power, even though some aspects of his game remain rough around the edges.

Perhaps the 25-year-old will be the ideal replacement for Per Mertesacker, whose lack of pace has been exposed several times during 2015. Wenger did add Gabriel Paulista in January, but he'd certainly be wise to recruit another centre-back ahead of next season.

Matthew Lewis/Getty Images

But his best move would be luring Cech from Stamford Bridge. That will apparently cost as much as £10 million, according to the Mirror's Darren Lewis.

Even if Cech will be 33 once this season ends, it's a price worth paying. He's exactly the kind of experienced and assured presence between the posts the Gunners need.

Wojciech Szczesny is too cocky and prone to errors to be trusted. He lost his place to David Ospina, who's initially impressed.

Paul Gilham/Getty Images

Yet the Colombian isn't the most commanding in the box and appears fragile physically. By contrast, Cech is still one of the most decisive and capable stoppers in the land.

Wenger's best Arsenal teams were those underpinned by veterans between the sticks, such as David Seaman and Jens Lehmann. Cech would be another shrewd figure at the back, one who would finally add some calmness to the defence.

Fixing things at the back must be Wenger's priority this summer. His squad is front-loaded with ample attacking talent but needs more balance in deeper areas.

Smalling represents an intriguing option as a player who could thrive under a manager with real faith in him. But signing Cech would be the best business Arsenal could do to improve ahead of next season.