Manchester United have reportedly told Arsenal that they will need to pay £25m to buy Chris Smalling, a defender Jose Mourinho is keen to get rid of because he’s so bad.

Arsene Wenger has been a long-term admirer of Smalling, having tried to sign him from Fulham before he opted to join United in 2008. With the club known to be looking for central defenders for the summer window, there is a real possibility Arsenal could agree to this ridiculousness.

Arsenal, of course tried to land Jonny Evans during the winter window but annoyed West Brom by both leaving it late to bid and coming in well under their valuation. Evans could be available for £3m in the summer should West Brom be relegated but will be heading towards 31. Smalling is 28 now, turning 29 in November.

If we’re honest, neither player strikes me as a vast improvement on what we have currently and it’s hard to understand how players deemed too poor for United, for good reason, could provide Arsenal with the answer to their massive defensive problems.

Evans was shipped out by United almost three years ago, and while he has gone on to claim the captain’s armband with the Baggies, his would not be a signing that makes fans think Arsenal are serious about mounting any sort of title charge.

Smalling, the Sunday Star report, is priced at £25m with the Old Trafford outfit setting their price based on West Brom’s valuation of Evans.

Jose Mourinho is also, reportedly, ready to get rid of Phil Jones, another player Arsene Wenger has wanted in the past.

Don’t rule out Wenger trying to land both of them. All three, including Evans, if he’s feeling particularly adventurous.