If Arsenal tried to sign David De Gea, United would laugh in their face.
Sides do not sell their best players to their rivals – therefore when they are willing to sell someone to you, it probably says it all.
Jose Mourinho was willing to sell Juan Mata to United for big money – but look how Mata has been in and out of the United side. He would not have sold Oscar.
Wenger should realise this and take a step back before making a bid for Smalling.