Boost for Arsenal as transfer rivals suffer hitch in chase for £25m defender Arsenal have received a boost in the race for Chris Smalling’s signature with the news that AS Roma may not be able to raise the necessary funds to sign him in the next transfer window. The defender has spent the 2019/20 campaign on loan with the Serie A side and has impressed in his 28 appearances, earning praise in Italy and England for his performances. It is believed that both Roma and Smalling were keen on making his move to the Stadio Olimpico permanent ahead of next season, however the ‘Giallorossi’ may be forced into changing their plans after discovering they may not be able to afford his transfer fee according to a report in the Express. The report explains that Roma have held talks with Smalling’s parent club Manchester United regarding a £25million deal, however the financial impact of the coronavirus pandemic means that they will no longer be able to pay such a price. A source close to the situation said: “We know Chris would love to stay and it is a deal which suits all parties at the end of the season. “The financial reality, however, is very different. The people at Roma have many new things to consider.” “Ole had to make a quick decision call to send Chris out on loan last summer because Marcos Rojo’s move to Everton collapsed at a late stage. “The manager wasn’t surprised how well Chris has performed at Roma and does remain a fan of his.” The development means that the 30-year-old is now likely to return to Old Trafford at the end of the year before deciding on his next move. United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has previously said that he expects the centre half to be back at Old Trafford next season, however a switch to Arsenal is also a possibility. Last month, it emerged that the Gunners had made an enquiry to the Red Devils about signing Smalling, and Roma’s financial situation has only strengthened their chances of completing a deal. With Mikel Arteta looking to strengthen his options ahead of his first full season in charge at the Emirates, adding a two-time Premier League winner to his squad would certainly be a good piece of business. David Luiz, Sokratis, Shkodran Mustafi, Pablo Mari and Rob Holding are the Spaniards current defensive options, however some of those players could be on their way out with a number of changes expected to be made to the Arsenal roster when the transfer window opens. Meanwhile, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has been told to quit the Gunners and move to a ‘more ambitious club’. The post Boost for Arsenal as transfer rivals suffer hitch in chase for £25m defender appeared first on teamtalk.com.

Arsenal have received a boost in the race for Chris Smalling’s signature with the news that AS Roma may not be able to raise the necessary funds to sign him in the next transfer window.

The defender has spent the 2019/20 campaign on loan with the Serie A side and has impressed in his 28 appearances, earning praise in Italy and England for his performances.

It is believed that both Roma and Smalling were keen on making his move to the Stadio Olimpico permanent ahead of next season, however the ‘Giallorossi’ may be forced into changing their plans after discovering they may not be able to afford his transfer fee according to a report in the Express.

The report explains that Roma have held talks with Smalling’s parent club Manchester United regarding a £25million deal, however the financial impact of the coronavirus pandemic means that they will no longer be able to pay such a price.

A source close to the situation said: “We know Chris would love to stay and it is a deal which suits all parties at the end of the season.

“The financial reality, however, is very different. The people at Roma have many new things to consider.”

“Ole had to make a quick decision call to send Chris out on loan last summer because Marcos Rojo’s move to Everton collapsed at a late stage.

“The manager wasn’t surprised how well Chris has performed at Roma and does remain a fan of his.”

 

 

The development means that the 30-year-old is now likely to return to Old Trafford at the end of the year before deciding on his next move.

United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has previously said that he expects the centre half to be back at Old Trafford next season, however a switch to Arsenal is also a possibility.

Last month, it emerged that the Gunners had made an enquiry to the Red Devils about signing Smalling, and Roma’s financial situation has only strengthened their chances of completing a deal.

With Mikel Arteta looking to strengthen his options ahead of his first full season in charge at the Emirates, adding a two-time Premier League winner to his squad would certainly be a good piece of business.

David Luiz, Sokratis, Shkodran Mustafi, Pablo Mari and Rob Holding are the Spaniards current defensive options, however some of those players could be on their way out with a number of changes expected to be made to the Arsenal roster when the transfer window opens.

Meanwhile, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has been told to quit the Gunners and move to a ‘more ambitious club’.

 

The post Boost for Arsenal as transfer rivals suffer hitch in chase for £25m defender appeared first on teamtalk.com.

Sam Charlton