Arsenal star Myles Lewis-Skelly has sent a clear signal to Manchester United that he can operate in midfield as well as at left-back. The Gunners defender was deployed in the centre of the park during Saturday's commanding 3-0 victory over Fulham.
United's Midfield Plans
United have been strongly linked with strengthening their midfield ranks this summer as they gear up for their return to Champions League football. Sunday's triumph over Liverpool secured a top-five finish for United, and attention will swiftly turn to the summer transfer window, where the Red Devils will be able to enter the market for new additions.
Midfield remains an area United are widely expected to address, with Casemiro anticipated to leave the club when the season draws to a close.
Lewis-Skelly's Versatility
Separately, reports over recent months have linked United with a potential move for Lewis-Skelly, with the England international having struggled for regular game time at Arsenal this campaign compared to his breakthrough season last term.
Gunners boss Mikel Arteta handed Lewis-Skelly a midfield start at the weekend, making it abundantly clear that the 19-year-old is more than capable of performing in multiple positions. Reports have indicated that Arsenal may be forced to sell one of their first-team players this summer in order to fund their own transfer activity, though it remains uncertain whether Lewis-Skelly could be among those to leave.
Arteta discussed his decision to deploy Lewis-Skelly in midfield, with the Arsenal boss acknowledging he has been "tough" on the youngster amid speculation linking him with a potential move to United.
"Maybe I should have done it [start Lewis-Skelly in midfield] earlier, I don't know," Arteta stated over the weekend. "I have to do things when I believe that the player is ready, the team is ready and the opponent is the right one.
"It was a big risk. If it works, it's great. If we lost the game I know what would have happened. 'How do you play a kid at this age, in this scenario, in a position that he has not played all season?'
"I knew that, but I had the feeling it was the right game for him. He fully deserves it. I have been tough on him. He had a spectacular season last year when he jumped into the first team, then had some difficult moments after that. But he stayed very humble, very focused and I knew he was ready."
Lewis-Skelly's ability to adapt to different roles makes him an attractive prospect for United, who are seeking midfield reinforcements ahead of their Champions League return. Whether Arsenal will part ways with the talented youngster remains to be seen, but his recent performance has certainly caught the attention of potential suitors.
