Manchester United have been handed an opportunity in the summer transfer window, with Arsenal offering them the chance to sign Myles Lewis-Skelly. The 19-year-old impressed at the end of last season, and the Gunners are reportedly seeking a modest £45m for the player.
Arsenal's Offer and United's Interest
On Tuesday, United were offered the opportunity to sign the Arsenal youngster. The Gunners have spent well this summer, completing the signing of Bruno Guimaraes for £75m and paying £34m for Club Brugge winger Christos Tzolis. To free up funds, they are now trying to reclaim money through sales.
Choosing to sell Lewis-Skelly is surprising, considering his age and the important role he played at the end of last season. The 19-year-old broke into the Arsenal team at left-back, having developed as a midfielder. He was then moved to central midfield at the end of last season and performed superbly.
Arteta's Praise for the Teenager
Having impressed against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League semi-finals, Mikel Arteta was full of praise for the teenager. "I think it's been a process of probably understanding him better, him understanding as well the standards that are required when you play or don't play that much at this level, to understand the reasons why you play or don't play as well," the Arsenal head coach told reporters in May. "And then he's been exceptional, his attitude, the way he's trained, the way he's been supporting the boys when he hasn't played. He's given us every sign to think that when we were going to give him the chance, he was going to respond in the manner that he's done it."
"But after he's done it, and it's not easy, especially when you haven't played that much, to look that fresh, that confident, that energetic, playing with that determination, it's something that is surprising."
Knock-on Effect for Luke Shaw
Were he to sign for United, the deal would have a knock-on effect for Luke Shaw. The 31-year-old was praised last season for bouncing back from injury problems to feature in every Premier League match during the 2025/26 campaign. As things stand, Shaw will be the starting left-back against Hull.
United have been guilty of not preparing succession plans in the past, leading to panic buys. Patrick Dorgu was signed to play left wing-back, but has since moved up the pitch. Diego Leon joined that summer, but remains a raw talent. Lewis-Skelly's arrival would be different.
If he leaves Arsenal, he will want to join a club who can guarantee him more game time. At United, he would find it difficult to get minutes in central midfield with Andrey Santos, Mason Mount, Youri Tielemans and Kobbie Mainoo all battling to play. Therefore, he would be earmarked to play at left-back.
Shaw has one year remaining on his contract and, as of yet, no agreement has been reached on extending his deal. Lewis-Skelly's signature would allow United to transition away from Shaw by signing a younger profile. At that point, Shaw will have to decide whether he wants to stick with United and accept a limited role, or leave and pursue another challenge.
United are not the only club interested in Lewis-Skelly. Chelsea have also enquired about him. But if the Reds win the race, that will leave Shaw with plenty to consider this season.
