Arsenal are lining up a move for Roma defender Chris Smalling.

The Sun says Arsenal are leading the Premier League interest in Smalling.

The 30-year-old has settled in well to life in Rome, where he has become first choice and put in some impressive shifts, with a number of English sides said to be keen on giving him a chance back in his home country.

Smalling was forced to explore pastures new after becoming sidelined at Manchester United by manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, and he has taken up his chance in Serie A, scoring twice in 14 league appearances and helping to keep eight clean sheets.

The Gunners are big admirers of Smalling, and after having their own defensive issues in the last few seasons, a new centre-back will be high on the wishlist of whoever succeeds Unai Emery as manager.