Arsenal 'prepared to spend £13m on Manchester United defender Chris Smalling'

Arsenal will reportedly splash out £13m on Manchester United defender Chris Smalling in next summer's transfer window.

The Englishman left Old Trafford to join Roma on a season-long loan in the summer following Harry Maguire's £85m move to Manchester.

Smalling has enjoyed an excellent spell of form at Roma, making 11 Serie A appearances in total, and is now on the radar of several clubs.

According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Roma are determined to bid £13m for Smalling next summer and Arsenal are willing to match that offer.

The Gunners - currently in 11th place ahead of their meeting with West Ham United - are in desperate need of defensive reinforcements.

United are said to be holding out for a fee of £17m, with Juventus and Inter Milan also reportedly among the interested parties.