Arsenal and Newcastle United could be set for disappointment in their reported quest to sign Chris Smalling from Premier League rivals Manchester United in the summer transfer window.
According to 90min, the prospective new owners of Newcastle – Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund – want to sign Smalling, who is on loan at Roma from United at the moment.
Corrieredellosport.it recently claimed of interest in the England international central defender from Arsenal, and stated that the Gunners have already made an enquiry.
However, it seems that the player himself wants to stay at Roma beyond this summer.
According to a new report in Corrieredellosport.it, Smalling has told Roma head coach Paulo Fonseca in the last few days that he wants to stay at the Serie A club next season as well.
The report has added that United want €20 million (£17.93 million) as transfer fee for the 30-year-old centre-back.
Smalling’s reported desire to say at Roma suggests that Arsenal and Newcastle could find it tough to convince him to move to the Emirates Stadium or St. James’ Park respectively.
According to WhoScored, the Englishman has scored two goals and provided one assist in 21 Serie A matches, has played five times in the Europa League, and has played twice in the Coppa Italia for Roma this season.
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