Arsenal and Arsene Wenger are reportedly interested in signing Manchester United’s Chris Smalling after Jose Mourinho lost his patience with the player.

The Englishman has come under fire recently after his performances, particularly the one that helped Newcastle beat the club 1-0.

Smalling dived to hand the Magpies a free-kick from which they managed to score the only goal of the game as United’s attackers failed to bail him out.

Fans have long been frustrated with the former Fulham man as he proved incapable of fulfilling his once sky high potential.

Now Wenger is apparently keeping an eye on the defender’s situation in an effort to make a move for him in the summer transfer window.

According to Arsenal Mania, the Gunners are favourites to sign Chris after Jose reportedly considered him to be a dispensable player.

A bid would be welcome by most supporters and probably even Mourinho who is aiming to continue rebuilding his defence.

The Portuguese manager already identified the back-line as the club’s weak area, investing in the centre-back position twice since he arrived at Old Trafford.

Eric Bailly and Victor Lindelof have been brought in over the past two seasons and there’s still hope the two can become the future pairing for the club.

However, Jose is said to wish to bring better depth all across the backline with Luke Shaw and Antonio Valencia needing better back-up options.

Whether interest transpires into a bid is yet to be seen but it’s difficult to see a future at the club for Chris Smalling.