Arsenal transfer news: Chris Smalling is a surprise transfer target for Arsene Wenger after spectacular bust up with Jose Mourinho

CHRIS SMALLING could make a surprise move to Arsenal after falling out with Jose Mourinho at Old Trafford.

Arsene Wenger has already solved most of the Gunners' defensive woes by signing Shkodran Mustafi, but he remains a long term admirer of Smalling.

Back in 2010, Arsenal were narrowly pipped by Man United to the £10m signing of the Fulham defender.

However according to , Wenger is prepared to bid again if the rift between Smalling and Mourinho doesn't heal.

After the match at Swansea, Mourinho said of Smalling: "Valencia had surgery on his arm, Bailly has a long-term knee injury, Smalling doesn't feel that he can play 100 per cent with his pain. Luke Shaw told me this morning that he was not in the condition to play so we had to build a defensive line."

He also compared shirkers Smalling and Shaw unfavourably to his other players, saying: “I know Ashley Young is not a right-back but Ashley Young is a champion. Matteo Darmian is always ready to do his best and Phil Jones, he understands the moment of the team.

“Maybe his process would take him more time but he's put himself on the line to go with the team. Marcos [Rojo] is the same."

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And Shaw could be a target for Liverpool, with Jurgen Klopp still looking for a left-back.

One of Shaw's predecessors in the position, Gabriel Heinze, all but ended his Man United career when he requested a move to Anfield under Sir Alex Ferguson.

And Liverpool would have to significantly improve on the £29m Man United paid Southampton for Shaw if they want to have any chance of signing him.