Manchester United will miss a transfer open goal if they fail to take advantage of the uncertainty surrounding Myles Lewis-Skelly's future, according to a report.
Arsenal open to selling Lewis-Skelly
It is a mystery why Arsenal are open to selling one of their brightest young prospects, who showed his class in Sunday's Community Shield victory over Manchester City. The only rationale can be the positive impact his sale would make on the SCR (formerly PSR) balance sheets.
As a homegrown player, his sale would go down as pure profit. A rule that encourages clubs to flog youngsters they have developed is ludicrous, as is Arsenal's seeming willingness to let him go. But that is not United's problem.
United's quiet transfer window
Following a bright start to the window, with the acquisition of Youri Tielemans looking particularly astute, it has gone rather quiet on the transfer front until Wednesday when it emerged that Brighton's Carlos Baleba was in advanced talks.
Arsenal have been so open about Lewis-Skelly's availability, they might as well have dropped him off on Deansgate and taped a 'for sale' sign to his head.
Arteta and Garlick comments
Mikel Arteta bizarrely said the speculation surrounding the 19-year-old was a "good sign." The Spaniard opined: "If there is speculation about any of our players, it is a good sign. It means that we are attracting interest and we are doing a good job."
Meanwhile, Arsenal CEO Richard Garlick told the BBC: "We're not actively looking at selling those homegrown players [the other being Ethan Nwaneri] but if the right opportunity came up and it was right for them and right for the club, then we'd obviously consider that."
So Lewis-Skelly is available, potentially for as little as £45m.
Versatility a key benefit for United
There has been uncertainty about his best position. A midfielder for Arsenal's age-group teams, he came into the senior side at left-back, where he also played for England after making his international debut in March 2025.
That does not need to be a problem; in fact, it could really benefit United in a season where squad depth and versatility will be key, with Champions League now on the schedule. Another option in midfield is still required, while at left-back, United need to move on from Luke Shaw at some point. An ageing defence could do with an injection of youth.
United have been given an open invitation to make a real statement of intent by plucking a star of the future from one of their biggest rivals. It is one they need to accept, or they could end up regretting it for years to come.
