Manchester United are weighing up a £45million move for Arsenal midfielder Myles Lewis-Skelly, but a key dilemma could complicate the transfer. The 19-year-old impressed in Arsenal's Community Shield win over Manchester City, setting up Riccardo Calafiori's opening goal after just 24 seconds.
Rooney backs 'no-brainer' signing
Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney has urged the club to sign Lewis-Skelly, calling it an "absolute no-brainer". Speaking on the Stick to United podcast, Rooney said: "If you can get a player that can play left back and central midfield. He's young and he's got a massive future ahead of him, I think that's an absolute no-brainer if you can bring him in."
Last week, MEN Sport reported that Arsenal had offered Lewis-Skelly to United and Chelsea this summer, with a fee of £45m suggested as enough to secure the midfielder.
Competition for places at Old Trafford
United's hopes were boosted by Mikel Arteta's comments about Lewis-Skelly's opportunities. "Depends what happens with the squad," Arteta said. "Depends how he trains. Depends on the position. A lot of factors, nothing else."
At Arsenal, Lewis-Skelly faces competition from Bruno Guimaraes, Declan Rice, Martin Odegaard and Martin Zubimendi in midfield, while Calafiori and Piero Hincapie block his path at left-back. At United, he would compete with Andrey Santos, Mason Mount, Youri Tielemans and Kobbie Mainoo for midfield spots behind Bruno Fernandes.
Left-back role a potential stumbling block
Lewis-Skelly has expressed his preference for midfield, saying: "It felt like this is where I belong, it wasn't like 'what's going on here'. It felt very natural to me." At United, Luke Shaw is the only senior left-back, with Patrick Dorgu moved to the wing and Diego Leon and Harry Amass not yet options. If Shaw struggles with the schedule, Lewis-Skelly could be called upon at left-back, which may not appeal to a player determined to be a Premier League midfielder.
Chelsea hold an advantage, as they can offer Lewis-Skelly regular midfield minutes and allow him to stay in London. United must decide whether spending £45m to play him out of position is wise.
