Bailly going to Arsenal? Man United boss Solskjaer responds brilliantly

Manchester United defender Eric Bailly [Courtesy]

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says that "it is not a big surprise" that Arsenal are linked with Eric Bailly, but dismissed the transfer speculation around the Manchester United defender.

Bailly, 24, was reportedly the subject of a rejected enquiry from the Gunners earlier this week, as Unai Emery seeks to remodel his defence.

The Gunners have suffered several injuries to their defenders this season, with the likes of Laurent Koscielny, Sokratis Papastahopoulos and Shokdran Mustafi often never truly inspiring when they're fit.

And although Bailly has suffered injury issues himself, the Gunners boss was apparently lining up a loan deal until the end of the season with a view to the permanent signing of the former Villarreal defender.

Man United caretaker boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer [Courtesy]

But Solskjaer dismissed the interest at his press conference ahead of facing the Gunners in the FA Cup on Friday.

"I'm not surprised if they do, put it that way," he said.

"It's just one of those things. It's just speculation and it's not a big surprise."

Solskjaer added that the club is making progress on new deals for David De Gea and Anthony Martial.

"I think the club is making progress, yeah, but I leave that to the right people to do that," he said.

"I don't really know how far away from it but hopefully we can have some good news in the coming weeks."