Jack Wilshere has called on Myles Lewis-Skelly to ‘fight’ for his Arsenal future as Manchester United reportedly prepare a transfer bid for the young defender.
Lewis-Skelly's rise and recent struggles
Lewis-Skelly burst out of Arsenal’s academy ranks two years ago, going on to establish himself as a genuine first-team star across a magnificent debut season with his boyhood team. However, last season proved a much trickier experience for the versatile 19-year-old in his development at Arsenal, with Riccardo Calafiori nailing down his place as Mikel Arteta’s first-choice left-back.
There was a resurgence from Lewis-Skelly towards the end of the campaign, though, as the teenager helped the Gunners clinch a first Premier League title in 22 years. He also became the second-youngest Englishman to start a Champions League final in May, but was on the losing team on this occasion as Paris Saint-Germain prevailed over Arteta’s men on penalties.
Manchester United interest
Manchester United have long been credited with an interest in Lewis-Skelly and the England international’s strong end-of-season form has reportedly put the Red Devils on red alert this summer. According to The Independent, United are ‘investigating’ whether Arsenal could be coaxed into a deal as they scour the market for support and competition for Luke Shaw at left-back.
But having worked closely with Lewis-Skelly while in charge of Arsenal’s Under-18s, Wilshere would be saddened to see the Hale End academy product up sticks and leave for a Premier League rival.
Wilshere's plea
‘Last year was interesting to watch for Myles because I think he probably never experienced that,’ Wilshere said during a wide-ranging interview with Sky Sports. ‘All the way through the academy, him and Ethan Nwaneri were probably always the best players in their age group.
‘The academy have done a really good job of giving him the right challenge at the right time, but then all of a sudden he faced a bit of adversity. I was really happy for Myles with the way he managed it.’
The former Arsenal and England midfielder added: ‘Forget the ability and all of that, the one thing that I love about Myles is his character and personality and he’s never let that leave him.
‘When I’d watch on the TV, it would sometimes go to Myles on the bench and he would still cheer every moment. He’s a character who wants to feel love and he gives a lot of love as well.
‘He obviously found his way at the end of the season playing in the Champions League final, in my opinion, in his best position.
‘I’d like to see him stay and fight for it because I believe he’s good enough to find his way in that team. I believe he can do that.’
Confidence in Arteta
Wilshere is confident Arsenal can build on their success last season and has no concerns whatsoever about his old midfield partner Arteta taking his eye off the ball or resting on his laurels.
‘I had no doubt about that, knowing Mikel like I know Mikel and actually being fortunate enough to spend some time there when I was with the Under-18s but also a little bit before when I was training,’ Wilshere – who won two FA Cup titles with Arsenal – added. ‘To see the demands that he sets and how hungry he is to try and improve the club and get the club back to where he feels they belong, he’s done that.
‘He’s won the Premier League and I had no doubt. I saw the look in Mikel’s eyes during the Champions League final, that really hurt him and I knew that he was going to want to improve again, go again.
‘There’s probably an opportunity for Arsenal to go and do that and win the league next year, try and build on that, and then maybe the Champions League.’
Pre-season preparations
Arsenal kicked off their busy pre-season schedule with a comprehensive 3-0 win over MK Dons and are currently preparing to face off against Real Betis in Dublin. Arteta’s men then return home to the Emirates for a double-header versus Borussia Dortmund and Como, the club’s final two matches in preparation before their Community Shield showdown with Manchester City on August 16.
The north London giants begin their Premier League defence five days later at home to newly promoted Coventry City.
