Five reasons Arsenal have to AVOID Manchester United defender Chris Smalling

Whilst Arsenal fans are in full agreement that they simply have to buy a centre back come the January transfer window, there seems to be a bit of contention over just who the north London club should move for.

One of the names linked with Arsene Wenger’s wishlist has been Manchester United defender Chris Smalling, and whilst the English man can play in a couple of positions across the back four, we are slightly surprised that Wenger sees him as the man to save his season.

Smalling is a liability at best and has never really lived up to the initial expectations football fans had of him – and the fact that Arsenal need a world class centre back does not seem to fit well with the image of the United bit part player.

Louis van Gaal would probably be keen to get rid of Smalling, who he has already called stupid this season – and would probably be quite happy to sell to rivals Arsenal – which says it all really.

With that in mind, we have put our heads together and come up with five reasons Wenger really needs to avoid the defender.

Click on Smalling himself to see just why we would avoid him!

Arsenal fans. Would you buy Chris Smalling or is he someone you think should be avoided at all costs? Let us know your thoughts below or tweet us @LaFootyettes.