Arsenal: Layvin Kurzawa and 6 other bad ideas we’ve had recently

4. Chris Smalling

One guy who I just can’t seem to say enough negative things about. Chris Smalling is one of the longest-running bad ideas that this club has had. And that’s saying something. It started with Arsene Wenger, years ago when Smalling was still failing to make the grade at Manchester United. Now, it’s come back around with Wenger’s disciple Mikel Arteta in charge.

More from Pain in the Arsenal

• 3 standout players from 1-0 victory over Everton
• 3 positives & negatives from Goodison Park victory
• Arsenal vs PSV preview: Prediction, team news & lineups
• 3 talking points from Arsenal’s victory at Goodison Park
• Mikel Arteta provides Gabriel Martinelli injury update after Everton win

The difference is all the “he could just need saving” that gave the rumor of five years ago some kind of positive tilt has effectively evaporated. Smalling is now on display at Roma, 30-years-old, and doing his thing. Let that be. There’s no need to go picking at the bones of a failed Red Devil.

Also, did I mention that he’s 30-years-old? We don’t need more defenders in that age range. We have David Luiz. We need more defenders for the long-term, guys like Jonathan Tah or Dayot Upamecano. Not to mention Smalling will carry a £25m price tag, which is ridiculous. Luiz cost half that and no one was enthused about that signing either.

Smalling cannot happen. It’s such a waste of time, money, and space on the team. We have a lot to look forward to with this defense and Smalling is not part of it.

On to No. 3.