Arsenal are leading the race to sign Chris Smalling from Manchester United.
According to British media reports, the Gunners are keeping tabs on the English defender, who has been impressing during his loan spell at AS Roma this season.
In this regard, Arsenal are reportedly big admirers of Smalling and they have added him to their list of potential transfer targets for next year.
It’s also claimed that Arsenal have been keeping tabs on the defender since his loan move to Italy at the start of the season.
Smalling, 30, has scored two goals and made one assist in 11 Serie A games for AS Roma so far this season.
To fuel the rumours further, on Friday, Arsenal had scouts present at the San Siro to watch Smalling help AS Roma keep a clean sheet against rivals Inter Milan, according to other reports.
Notably, England manager Gareth Southgate has left Chris Smalling out of his squad for the better part of the last two years and that could be about to change after he watches him in action alongside his assistant Steve Holland.
Southgate and Steve Holland were in attendance as AS Roma played out a goalless draw with hosts and league leaders Inter Milan during their league meeting on Friday.
However, Arsenal could face competition from Premier League rivals Everton and Leicester City for the same signature.
Arsenal are likely to be linked with a number of players in the coming days and weeks as the January transfer window presents the chance for them to bolster their squad.