Chris Smalling might be the solution for Wenger’s problems. Followed by Arsenal for a while now, the English international has a very big chance of joining the Gunners. With his experience at Manchester possibly coming to an end, a winter transfer could benefit all parties involved. Currently valued by van Gaal at about £10m, Smalling will leave enough money in Arsenal’s budget for Wenger to sign a second defender as well. According to Metro, the 24 year old is a great solution for cover in the Londoners’ defense. He is strong and intuitive and has played a lot of games in the Premier League. All that needs to be done now is to find a way to convince Manchester to let him go.

Smalling is under contract until 2016 and is clearly getting frustrated with the fact that he is not a team regular despite the fact that Manchester lost Ferdinand and Vidic. If he is not getting a contract extension, he is quite likely going to leave by the end of the season.

Arsenal are expected to place a bid this January when many names will be targeted by Wenger. Smalling looks like he might be on top mostly because of his experience and his price. He could both be a temporary as well as a long term solution. It is very hard to tell due to the various fluctuations in performance seen over the years with this defender.