Arsenal have set an asking price of £45 million for Myles Lewis-Skelly, according to reports, with Chelsea and Manchester United both informed of the fee required to sign the England international.
The 20-year-old midfielder, who can also play at left-back, has been offered to Chelsea, while Manchester United were also sounded out earlier this summer, as per The Guardian. The fee is considered modest and would be comfortably within the budget of both Premier League clubs.
Resurgence at Arsenal
Lewis-Skelly appeared to have revived his Arsenal career during the latter stages of last season, when he was brought back into the side and given the opportunity to play in his preferred central midfield role. After spending much of the campaign on the sidelines during Arsenal's title-winning season, a late change of form from Martin Zubimendi opened the door for the Hale End Academy graduate.
A polished display in the Champions League final rounded off an impressive run of performances, and it seemed he was set for a key role under Mikel Arteta, especially after signing a new long-term contract just over a year ago.
Competition and Speculation
However, the recent signing of Bruno Guimaraes has intensified competition for places in Arsenal's midfield, and the arrival of the Brazil international has coincided with fresh speculation about Lewis-Skelly's future. Reports claim the versatile midfielder has been offered to Chelsea, while Manchester United were also approached earlier in the summer.
Manchester United are keen to sign a left-sided defender given the doubts surrounding Luke Shaw's durability. Newcastle United's Lewis Hall is a top target, but the Magpies are holding out for a substantial fee, which could prompt Michael Carrick to look elsewhere. RB Leipzig's 28-year-old left-back David Raum is on the club's radar, while Racing Santander defender Jorge Salinas has been scouted but appears set to join Atletico Madrid.
Swap Deal Suggestion
With Arsenal still in need of a left-sided forward, club legend Lee Dixon has suggested a swap deal involving 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.'
He added: '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.'
Arsenal's asking price of £45 million for Lewis-Skelly would likely be met by interested clubs, but any deal may hinge on the player's preference and the potential for a swap arrangement involving Rashford, which could resolve both clubs' needs.
