Premier League rival maintain interest in Arsenal star despite difficulties
Manchester United remain hopeful that Arsenal could be persuaded to sell Myles Lewis-Skelly before the transfer window closes despite the teenager’s increasingly prominent role under Mikel Arteta, according to The Sun.
United have maintained an interest in Lewis-Skelly throughout the summer as they search for another left-back, while Chelsea have also explored the possibility of signing the Hale End graduate.
However, any hopes of prising him away from the Emirates Stadium appear complicated by Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta’s insistence that the 19-year-old remains part of his plans.
The Arsenal manager also stressed the additional value provided by academy graduates who understand the club, saying they must be protected and developed whenever possible.
Lewis-Skelly’s involvement since those transfer rumours emerged has only strengthened the impression that Arsenal intend to retain him.
The England international produced an excellent performance in the 3-0 Community Shield victory over Manchester City, providing the pass from which Riccardo Calafiori opened the scoring after only 24 seconds.
He then started in central midfield as Arsenal opened their Premier League title defence with another 3-0 victory over Coventry City on Friday.
Lewis-Skelly initially established himself in Arteta’s senior side as a left-back but has increasingly been given opportunities in his preferred midfield position, adding another dimension to his importance within the squad.
United nevertheless believe there could still be scope to test Arsenal’s resolve and are reportedly seeking a left-back before the September 1 deadline.
The Old Trafford club are said to regard Arsenal’s valuation of more than £50 million as excessive, while their pursuit of Newcastle United defender Lewis Hall has also proved difficult.
Lewis-Skelly’s own position presents another major obstacle to any prospective transfer.
The youngster is focused on establishing himself at Arsenal rather than pursuing an exit, with his recent opportunities suggesting he has a genuine pathway to significant minutes this season.
Arteta’s public comments have also been unusually definitive for a manager addressing transfer speculation.
The situation therefore leaves United hoping Arsenal’s stance can somehow be softened rather than negotiating for a player who is actively pushing to leave.
After helping Arsenal win the Premier League last season and starting their Champions League final defeat against Paris Saint-Germain, Lewis-Skelly has already demonstrated his ability at the highest level.
His strong start to the new campaign has only made the prospect of Arsenal sanctioning a late sale appear increasingly difficult.
The post Premier League rival maintain interest in Arsenal star despite difficulties first appeared on ArsenalNews.co.uk.
