Arsenal Transfer News: Fresh Chris Smalling Rumours, Latest on Moussa Dembele

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho is said to be ready to let reported Arsenal target Chris Smalling leave Old Trafford.

According to Jeremy Cross of the Daily Star, there is no place in the coach’s plans for Smalling or full-back Matteo Darmian. Steve Bates recently reported in the Sunday Mirror that the Emirates Stadium club retains an interest in the former Fulham man, with manager Arsene Wenger said to be a longstanding fan of the England international.

As noted by Cross, Mourinho has been critical of Smalling’s commitment to the Red Devils cause, although the 26-year-old is set for a spell on the sidelines with a broken toe.

Per BBC Sport’s Phil McNulty, questions over the defender’s fitness seem to have been answered by the nature of his problem:

Either way, it means there could be an opening for Wenger to bring in Smalling, who has grown into a fine Premier League defender at Old Trafford.

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While United have struggled for form in recent seasons, the adversity has brought the best out of the defender, who has established himself as United’s premier centre-back. Smalling has developed not only as a footballer but a leader, and he has performed well alongside a variety of different partners.

Samuel Luckhurst of the Manchester Evening News is unsure why Mourinho has reportedly raised doubts about the player’s attitude:

If Arsenal do have a sincere interest in Smalling, they may seek to capitalise on the situation. However, the Gunners’ need for a new centre-back has been lessened by the acquisition and subsequent performances of Germany international Shkodran Mustafi; he’s been excellent alongside Laurent Koscielny.

Smalling, as such, wouldn’t be guaranteed a starting spot at the Emirates Stadium. Even so, regardless of whether Mourinho is looking to move the centre-back on, it’d be a surprise if United sanctioned a move to a bitter rival and potential fellow challenger for the Premier League title in years to come.

Arsenal Watch Moussa Dembele

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According to Amitai Winehouse of the Daily Mail, Manchester United have stepped up their interest in Celtic starlet Moussa Dembele, who is also reported to be a target for Arsenal.

In the piece, it’s stated the Red Devils scouted the 20-year-old during the international break. On Monday, Dembele shone for France’s under-21 team, scoring a brace against England under-21s that included a stunning free-kick.

United’s potentially strong interest will intensify the competition for a striker who has also been linked with the Gunners, Manchester City, Chelsea and Bayern Munich. All of those sides are said to have had scouts in attendance at the match on Monday to run the rule over the former Fulham man.

Since moving to Glasgow in the summer, Dembele has lit up the Scottish Premiership, as well as the UEFA Champions League. Squawka Football summed up what has been a blistering beginning to the season from the youngster:

Arsenal’s issues up top have been alleviated somewhat this season, with Alexis Sanchez thriving as a striker. Lucas Perez also joined in the summer from Deportivo La Coruna, and while he’s featured sparingly since his arrival, the Spaniard at least adds depth to the position alongside Olivier Giroud.

A player such as Dembele would give everyone at the club a lift, though. The France youth international is a refreshing and fearless footballer who has already proved he can find the net at the highest level.

Celtic will be desperate to keep him on board. If Arsenal emerge victorious from the inevitable future scrap for his signature, their supporters should be delighted.