Arsenal Transfer News: Chris Smalling Approach Rejected, Latest on Paulo Dybala

Only a "significant change of heart" from Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal would allow Arsenal to sign Chris Smalling this summer, according to James Robson of the Manchester Evening News.

Robson believes Arsene Wenger is "ready to tempt" United with a £12 million bid for the centre-back, something he reports that Van Gaal will reject. The aforementioned article suggests Wenger had an initial approach for Smalling knocked back last summer, a denial that stopped the Gunners letting Thomas Vermaelen head to Old Trafford.

Smalling, along with defensive partner Phil Jones and the much-improved Ashley Young, will soon be offered a new contract at the club, according to David McDonnell of the Mirror. 

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Arsenal fans may be surprised to see their side continuously linked with the former Fulham player. Smalling possesses all the right attributes to be a success—he is strong, tall and athletic—but he's rarely hit his potential for United.

Only in the last two Premier League matches, wins over Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool, has Smalling shown exactly why Sir Alex Ferguson snapped up him in 2010.

His improved form has coincided with increased ambition on the ball. Smalling stepped out of defence against the Reds, pushing into midfield with possession at his feet and thrusting United up the pitch. Such confidence has rarely been apparent in his game.

Business between United and Arsenal was once unthinkable, but Robin van Persie's move from north London to Manchester and Danny Welbeck's journey in the opposite direction suggests there's a possibility further stars could follow. At 25 years old, Smalling should be heading toward his peak, so United would be gutsy to cash-in on him after putting so much time into his development.

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B/R UK's James McNicholas recently discussed candidates who would be more appropriate defensive buys for Arsenal, saying that "they might want to take some time to consider other available options." Everton's John Stones and Real Madrid's Raphael Varane are among his picks.

'Cash Only' For Dybala

Wenger will likely be looking to improve his squad across the board when the summer market opens.

David Amoyal, translating on behalf of Sky Sport's Gianluca Di Marzio, recently reported that Arsenal have been "following" Palermo's Paulo Dybala for "quite some time." Amoyal even suggested a meeting with Palermo president Maurizio Zamparini has been set "to see if there are the margins for a deal."

Dybala's qualities are highlighted below:

Zamparini has outlined exactly what it will take to land the prolific youngster, per an alternate Amoyal report: "For Dybala we don't want players in the deal, just cash. The player is worth €40 million, although offers from abroad for €35 million arrived. We need to settle our cash flow and Palermo's balance sheet."

Putting Dybala's cost out there for everyone to see will test Wenger's willingness to land the player. Zamparini has basically stated "come and get him," so it will be interesting to see whether Arsenal react. A crafty, clinical alternative is needed to Olivier Giroud, a description Dybala fits.

Wenger's summer activity will certainly be worth monitoring. He has spent well in recent seasons, but Arsenal continue to lag behind Chelsea and Manchester City. Questions remain as to whether Wenger can form one more title-winning side or if Arsenal are destined to continue flitting around third and fourth under his control.

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Smalling could be the type of underwhelming purchase fans would become frustrated with, while Dybala could turn out to be an absolute steal if he continues developing at his current rate.