Arsenal captain Thomas Vermaelen has claimed rumours about him agreeing a deal with Manchester United are ‘untrue’, but refused to be drawn when pressed on whether his future would be with the Gunners.

The Belgian international has seen his stock fall over the last 18 months, and he spent the majority of last season sitting on the bench as the Mertiscienly Axis of Awesome established themselves as the club’s first choice centre-halves.

Recent reports emanating from his home country suggested he could link up with former boss Loius van Gaal at Old Trafford, but Vermaelen told Sky Sports news, “I know there has been a lot of talk and a lot of rumours but the only thing I can say is that it’s not true.

“Everybody understands my situation at Arsenal and that I have one year left. I understand that people are going to talk but I am here in Brazil and I am enjoying my time and I’m focused on what I am doing.”

With just 12 months left on his current deal, Arsene Wenger could see this summer as a chance to cash in on the former Ajax man, but Vermaelen was less than forthcoming about any conversations he’s had with Arsene Wenger about what might happen.

“We talk a lot when I am at Arsenal but it’s not what I am going to discuss here, it is something you are going to have to ask him.”

As we’ve said for some time now, it wouldn’t be a surprise at all if he wanted to leave, but with a right back needed, the manager may feel that too many changes to his defensive group would be counter-productive.

One to watch though.