Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has refused to rule out a move for Fulham youngster Chris Smalling in the future.

The England Under-21 international, who was playing non-league football for Maidstone just 18 months ago, is now regarded as one of the best young defensive prospects in the country.

He has started just one league match for Roy Hodgson’s side but is already being linked with a move to Emirates Stadium after coming onto Wenger’s radar.

And the Frenchman has refused to rule out a future move for Smalling, admitted his admiration for the youngster.

“He is a player we know, yes, but there is no truth in it at the moment,” Wenger said.

“Maybe in the future. At the moment is at the moment. I never rule anything out.

“I never speak about transfers”.