Arsenal tempted to swap Walcott with Man United defender

Football Express News understands Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is tempted to swap Theo Walcott for Chris Smalling of Manchester United this summer.

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger has sat down with board members to short-list his defensive targets for the summer transfer window.

Frenchman Wenger has improved his defensive options this season having signed Gabriel Paulista from Villarreal, however, he remains keen on adding some extra cover with the view to eventually replacing out-of-form Per Mertesacker.

Smalling is favourite to switch Premier League clubs after he came close to signing for the Gunners in 2010, but chose to join the Old Trafford outfit.

Walcott has been locked in contract talks with the Gunners since the turn of the year with the former Southampton youngster keen to agree a new and improved deal, said to be worth over £100,000 per week.

However, Arsenal are not keen, and their failed negotiations over a new deal have led to numerous reports linking Walcott with a move to the likes of Liverpool.

And, it is now understood that Man United have also joined the race to land the England international.

It is believed that Red Devils boss Louis van Gaal is more than happy to make the 26-year-old a member of his squad next season and could negotiate Chris Smalling into the deal after Arsenal showed interest in the central defender.

Man United and Arsenal are currently battling for the Champions League spots in the Premier League and sit third and fourth in the table, respectively.


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