Chris Smalling willing to take pay cut to make Roma transfer from Man Utd permanent… even with Arsenal interested
CHRIS SMALLING is willing to take a pay cut in order to make his loan move from Manchester United to Roma permanent despite interest from Arsenal, according to reports.
Centre-back Smalling has impressed for Roma since joining on a season-long loan from United in the summer.
Onlookers and fans have warmed to the former Fulham star who has put in a number of outstanding performances while in the Italian capital.
are reporting that the star and his family have settled so well that he is even prepared to accept lower wages than he currently receives in order to extend his Italian adventure.
The 30-year-old is due to finish his stint in Serie A in June but may be set to sign a permanent deal at the Stadio Olimpico.
Parent club Manchester United are thought to want approximately £32million for the England star to leave Old Trafford for good.
Premier League rivals Arsenal are also monitoring the situation, as boss Mikel Arteta searches for a centre-back to strengthen his defensive options.
If Smalling were to move back to England and join the Gunners he would be following in the footsteps of former team-mate Danny Welbeck.
Welbeck swapped Old Trafford for the Emirates on deadline day in September 2014 before moving to Arsenal's neighbours Watford last summer.
Smalling has spent the best part of a decade on United's books after joining the club in 2010 and racking up 323 appearances in that time.
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He adapted well to his new surroundings in Rome and has made 28 appearances for Serie A's fifth-placed side, scoring two goals.
Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate has been following his progress closely with talk suggesting Smalling is not too far from a recall to the England side.
With Euro 2020 postponed for a year, he could seek a return to the Premier League to boost his chances of featuring in the delayed competition and adding to his 31 international caps.