Arsene Wenger has begun planning for next season, despite not yet signing a new deal that has been agreed since last October, following a meeting with chief executive Ivan Gazidis at the club’s training ground on Monday.
Wenger is a big fan of the England international, and even tried to buy him for the Gunners while the player was still with Fulham back in 2010, but the player opted to make the move to Manchester United instead.
Despite suffering with a series of injuries during his time at Old Trafford, the 24-year-old has gone on to make 120 appearances for the club without ever having truly establishing himself as a first team regular there.
Smalling recently found himself in hot water with manager David Moyes after being caught partying out in Manchester whilst injured, but Wenger remains keen on bringing him to the club.
The Gunners are said to be prepared to offer £12m up front and keep the player on his current £52,000 per week salary.
Written by Steve Milne
