It might be a new year but the transfer stories are still the same.

Chris Smalling is still being linked with a move to Arsenal, which is concerning because, at one stage, Arsene Wenger’s interested in the centreback was genuine.

When the England international played for Fulham back in 2010, right before United came in with a bid of £10m and brought him to Manchester, Wenger was interested in the then-21-year-old.

Therefore, it stands to reason that, like a dog with a bone, Wenger would still be keeping an eye on his shaky situation with the Red Devils.

Chris Smalling
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 24: Chris Smalling of Manchester United (L) attempts to keep the ball while under pressure from Islam Slimani of Leicester City (R) during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Leicester City at Old Trafford on September 24, 2016 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)

Although we already have two very good first choice centrebacks in Laurent Koscielny and Shkodran Mustafi, Per Mertesacker, who’s currently out with a knee injury, is out of contract at the end of the season. So, in theory, reinforcements will have to be signed if he leaves.

Would Smalling really leave United to sit on Arsenal’s bench?

I doubt it.

Would Jose Mourinho sell anyone to Arsenal? Well, he sold us Petr Cech and Smalling has struggled for game time under the Portuguese manager.

But I wouldn’t hold my breath.