Arsenal have informed Premier League rivals Chelsea that Myles Lewis-Skelly could be available for transfer this summer, according to football.london. The 19-year-old Hale End Academy graduate is facing increased competition for places following the club's pursuit of Bruno Guimaraes, which has left his future at the Emirates in doubt.
Lewis-Skelly's season of ups and downs
Lewis-Skelly appeared to have revived his Arsenal career during last season's run-in, when he was thrust back into the starting XI with just six games remaining. The versatile midfielder had found himself on the periphery for most of the campaign after the arrival of Martin Zubimendi, while Piero Hincapie and Riccardo Calafiori were preferred in the left-back role he had previously made his own.
However, Zubimendi's loss of form prompted manager Mikel Arteta to recall Lewis-Skelly, and the England international thrived in his preferred midfield position. His performances culminated in a polished display in the Champions League final, seemingly securing his place in the squad.
Competition intensifies at Arsenal
Despite those outstanding displays, Lewis-Skelly's position is again under threat. Arsenal's successful pursuit of Bruno Guimaraes means Arteta now has the Brazil international, Declan Rice, Zubimendi, and Mikel Merino—Zubimendi's Spanish World Cup-winning teammate—to call upon in midfield. Additionally, Ethan Nwaneri has impressed during pre-season, alongside another academy product, Ife Ibrahim.
As a consequence, Arsenal have alerted Chelsea to Lewis-Skelly's potential availability, though the Blues have yet to indicate whether they will make a move. Chelsea were linked with further midfield reinforcements last week, with Zubimendi said to be on their radar. Their stance on Lewis-Skelly could depend on whether captain Enzo Fernandez remains at the club; current indications suggest he intends to stay despite interest from Manchester City.
Manchester United monitoring situation
Manchester United, who were linked with Lewis-Skelly earlier in the transfer window, are still on the lookout for a left-sided defender. Newcastle United's Lewis Hall remains their primary target, but they could renew their interest in the Arsenal star if it becomes clear his future lies elsewhere.
With Arsenal still requiring a left-sided forward, club legend Lee Dixon has suggested a swap deal involving Manchester United's Marcus Rashford could suit all parties. Speaking to BestBettingSites, Dixon said: 'Would I swap them? You know what, I probably would. That's nothing against Myles Lewis-Skelly; it's about giving him the freedom to go and expand his game elsewhere. With Marcus Rashford, he's a player who needs an arm around his shoulder, and Arteta would be great for him. Give him that love, give him the freedom to play on that left side, and yeah, I'd like to see him in an Arsenal shirt.'
As the transfer window progresses, Lewis-Skelly's future remains uncertain, with Chelsea and Manchester United both monitoring the situation. Arsenal's decision could hinge on their ongoing search for a left-sided forward, potentially leading to a move that benefits all parties involved.
