Arsenal have emerged as favourites with the bookies to sign Manchester United defender Chris Smalling.
Smalling is reportedly surplus to requirements at Manchester United this summer.
The Red Devils announced on Saturday that they had agreed a deal with Benfica to sign centre-half Victor Lindelof, who should complete his move to United by the end of the week.
According to the Daily Star, Lindelof’s arrival will spell the end of Smalling’s seven-year stay at Old Trafford.
Jose Mourinho will reportedly look to partner Lindelof alongside Eric Bailly in the heart of defence, with Phil Jones providing back-up.
And bookmakers Betfair have responded by pricing Arsenal as 6/1 favourites to sign Smalling this summer.
Gunners manager Arsene Wenger switched to a 3-4-3 formation towards the end of last season and could look to bring in another centre-half after relying on left-back Nacho Monreal on a number of occasions.
Premier League rivals Tottenham, Everton (8/1) and Chelsea (10/1) are also in the running for Smalling’s signature.
Mourinho is said to have decided Smalling is not good enough after his first season in charge at United and will sell him to the highest bidder.
Smalling joined United from Fulham in 2010 and has gone on to make 243 appearances, winning two Premier League titles, the FA Cup, the EFL Cup and Europa League.
But Mourinho was openly critical of Smalling this season, claiming the 27-year-old should have been “more brave” in his recovery from a knee injury which ruled him out of nine games in April.
The England international signed a new four-year contract under Louis van Gaal in 2015 and won United’s Players’ Player of the Year award last season.
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