Manchester United could resolve two squad issues with a single transfer by signing Arsenal's Myles Lewis-Skelly, according to reports. The 19-year-old, who won the Premier League with Arsenal last season, has been linked with a move to Old Trafford.
Ineos transfer strategy
Since Ineos took charge of football operations, United have shifted away from buying big names on inflated wages. Instead, they have targeted Premier League rivals, with Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo improving the team, and Youri Tielemans expected to do likewise. Andrey Santos has shown early promise in pre-season.
Similar to Ayden Heaven
Lewis-Skelly shares similarities with Ayden Heaven, who joined United in 2025 after growing impatient at Arsenal. Heaven made one senior appearance for the Gunners but has since played 23 times for United. Lewis-Skelly has had more minutes at Arsenal, but squad depth at the champions has limited his progression—he didn't play a single Premier League game between mid-January and April.
Left-back cover
Lewis-Skelly started as a left-back at Arsenal, a position where United lack depth behind Luke Shaw. Shaw played every Premier League game last season, but with Champions League fixtures added, he needs protection. Patrick Dorgu is more convincing as a winger, Diego Leon is raw, and Harry Amass's future is uncertain. Lewis-Skelly would strengthen that position and likely earn more minutes.
Midfield solution
A deal would also address United's need for a third midfielder. Manuel Ugarte's injury has left a gap. Lewis-Skelly impressed in midfield against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League semi-final and started the final alongside Declan Rice. He told The Overlap: "I was originally training in midfield for [a few] months, around December until April. That period there I was just learning my craft, learning that position."
Given his age and the opportunities United could offer, a move would benefit both parties.
