Manchester United and Chelsea have been offered the opportunity to sign Myles Lewis-Skelly from Arsenal, according to football.london. The unexpected scenario has arisen following the Gunners' recent signing of Bruno Guimaraes from Newcastle United for £75million.
Availability and Interest
Despite only agreeing a new contract last summer, the 19-year-old has been made available to Chelsea as well as Manchester United. It is currently unclear whether either Premier League club will formalise a pursuit, but there has been strong links to Old Trafford in the last 12 months.
Michael Carrick's side are looking to sign a midfielder and left-back before the summer transfer window closes, and Lewis-Skelly, capable of playing in both positions, is arguably the perfect addition.
Potential Swap Deal
An ambitious swap deal could even be sanctioned given Arsenal's need to sign a left winger with Marcus Rashford's future still uncertain. That very scenario has been suggested as a positive for both parties given what Lewis-Skelly and Rashford need going forward.
Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos have already joined to strengthen the engine room with a third signing targeted. Newcastle United's Lewis Hall was their top target at left-back, but unlike Lewis-Skelly, he is not available for sale.
Alternative Options and Chelsea's Position
Jorge Salinas of Racing Santander has since emerged as an option, but he is favouring a move to Barcelona, which could open the door for Lewis-Skelly. United have already poached Ayden Heaven and Chido Obi from Arsenal's academy, and Lewis-Skelly could be third to join in only a few years.
From Chelsea's perspective, it is understood that if a lucrative proposal was to be submitted by the Blues, their London rivals would find it difficult to reject it.
Player's Situation and Potential Moves
Lewis-Skelly would be more likely to play in midfield consistently under Xabi Alonso, with Jorrel Hato able to play at left-back and Pep Chavarria set to join from Rayo Vallecano following Marc Cucurella's move to Real Madrid.
Chelsea have already spent big this summer to sign Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa, but another big fee for a Premier League star could open the door for Enzo Fernandez to leave, with Real Madrid and Manchester City interested.
Lewis-Skelly has started every pre-season fixture as a defensive midfielder, with Declan Rice, Martin Zubimendi, Mikel Merino, and Guimaraes all unavailable. His displays have been inconsistent, despite performing brilliantly in the left eight position towards the end of last season, which earned him a starting berth in the Champions League final.
