Arsenal came close to signing Chris Smalling in 2010, but Sir Alex Ferguson convinced the defender to join Manchester United instead. The centre-back, a lifelong Gunners fan, was set to move to north London before Ferguson intervened with a persuasive pitch that changed his mind.
What happened with Smalling's transfer?
Smalling had been at Fulham and was expected to join Arsenal, where Arsène Wenger’s reputation for developing young talent appealed to him. However, Manchester United entered the race, and Ferguson’s personal intervention proved decisive. The Scot assured Smalling he would get game time, and the defender ultimately chose Old Trafford over the Emirates.
Why did Smalling choose Man Utd over Arsenal?
Ferguson’s influence was key. The United manager told Smalling, "I wouldn’t sign you if I didn’t think you could play games," and the defender was soon playing alongside legends like Nemanja Vidić. Smalling’s decision paid off-he won two Premier League titles, the Europa League, and made 323 appearances for United.
What could have been for Arsenal?
Arsenal had met Fulham’s £10m release clause, but Smalling’s switch to United left the Gunners without a key defensive target. Meanwhile, Arsenal finished the 2025 Premier League season in first place, 6 points clear of Manchester City, with a +38 goal difference. Their next fixture is against Fulham at home on February 20, 2027.
Where is Smalling now?
After leaving United, Smalling joined Roma, becoming the first English player since David Beckham to score multiple Serie A goals in a season. Now 36 and without a club, he hasn’t announced retirement yet. His career remains a reminder of how close Arsenal came to signing a player who became a United legend.
