Chris Smalling: Manchester United defender signs new contract to end talk of transfer to Arsenal

England international has committed his future to United until June 2019 having had just over a year left to run on his former deal

Chris Smalling (GETTY IMAGES)

Chris Smalling has signed a new contract with Manchester United to end speculation that he will leave the club after reports linked him with a move to Arsenal.

The defender broke the news himself after taking to Twitter to announce he has signed a new deal, only to delete the message given that the club had not confirmed it yet.

However, a few minutes later, a tweet was sent from the official Manchester United Twitter account to confirm the 25-year-old has put pen to paper on a four-year deal which will keep him tied down until the summer of 2019.

The twee read: “BREAKING: @ChrisSmalling has signed a new contract at #mufc which keeps him at the club until at least June 2019.”

Smalling had been linked with a United exit earlier this season with his old contract due to expire next year, with Arsenal reported to be interested in the defender having made an approach for the England international last summer.

Smalling has signed a new deal until 2019 (GETTY IMAGES)

United manager Louis van Gaal personally blocked any move to the Gunners though, and has looked to Smalling in recent months to lead the defence in a run of form that has coincided with United’s rejuvenation.

Speaking about the new deal, Smalling told manutd.com: "I’m delighted to sign my new contract. I am so proud to play for such a great club.

"We have developed as a team over the course of the season under Louis van Gaal and we are now playing as a complete unit. This is a very exciting time to be at Manchester United, we are all determined to get back to where we belong and competing at the highest level."

Van Gaal also elaborated on his delight at seeing Smalling improve throughout the season, and believes he has grown into an "integral" figure in the United first team.

"Chris has improved and developed immensely during the short time that I have been at the club and has become an integral part of the first-team squad," said Van Gaal.

"He always conducts himself in a very professional manner and it is also pleasing that he has scored some important goals this season too. I am delighted he has signed a new contract."

Smalling arrived at United in 2010 after agreeing a £10million transfer from Fulham, and has currently made 142 appearances for United with nine goals coming his way as well as winning 16 caps for England since his debut in 2011.