Smalling was outlined as surplus to requirements at United after Harry Maguire joined from Leicester in the summer for a world-record fee for a defender, and he has formed a decent partnership with Victor Lindelof.
Former Fulham centre-back Smalling has even caught the eye of Gareth Southgate having not played for England since 2017, with Steve Holland watching him in action as Roma faced Inter Milan on Friday.
According to Sunday Mirror, Smalling might join another Premier League club come the end of his loan spell away, with the Gunners said to be keeping tabs on him and leading the chase.
Despite Arsenal having sacked Unai Emery and struggling since Freddie Ljungberg took over in temporary charge, the board seem to be continuing in their pursuit of possible transfer targets - which will come as a blow to fellow suitors Everton and Leicester.
United are said to be keen on promoting Axel Tuanzebe, 22, into a first-team regular rather than giving Smalling a chance to save his career at the club, after joining from Fulham in 2010.
“He [Ole Gunnar Solskjaer] said I would get games,” Smalling told the Daily Telegraph after leaving Old Trafford.
“I am used to playing when I am fit. Although that might have been slightly different this season.
“I would have had the cup games and then in the league, depending on injuries.
“Would it have been the 40-50 games that I am used to if fit? It might have been the 20-30. Still a good number of games but I want to play.”
