Arsenal are ready to bid for Manchester United defender Chris Smalling.

The Mirror says Arsenal are hoping Roma don't qualify for next season's Champions League as they eye a summer swoop for United-owned defender Smalling.

That's according to reports from Italy, which claim the Gunners are among a number of Premier League clubs hoping to snap up the on-loan centre-back this summer.

Smalling has impressed during a season-long loan spell in Italy after falling down the pecking order at United.

Roma are keen to make the arrangement permanent when the transfer window reopens - although the Serie A club are said to have been shocked by United's reported £25million valuation of the 30-year-old.

Roma accept they have a better chance of keeping Smalling if they qualify for the Champions League.