Arsenal have alerted Chelsea to the potential availability of Myles Lewis-Skelly, according to football.london. The 19-year-old midfielder's future at the Emirates has come under threat following the club's successful pursuit of Bruno Guimaraes.
Lewis-Skelly's season of ups and downs
The Hale End Academy graduate appeared to have salvaged his Gunners career when he was thrust back into the starting XI during last season's run-in. After his breakthrough campaign the season before, the versatile midfielder found himself firmly on the periphery following the arrival of Martin Zubimendi.
With Piero Hincapie and Riccardo Calafiori preferred in the left-back role that Lewis-Skelly appeared to have made his own, the 19-year-old was forced to settle for a bit-part role for the majority of last term. Zubimendi's loss of form, however, prompted Mikel Arteta to thrust Lewis-Skelly back into the limelight with just six games remaining, and the England international thrived in his preferred position.
Competition for places intensifies
Despite a series of outstanding displays, culminating in a polished performance in the Champions League final, Lewis-Skelly's position is again under threat. Arsenal's successful pursuit of Bruno Guimaraes means Arteta now has the Brazil international, Declan Rice, Zubimendi and his Spanish World Cup-winning teammate Mikel Merino to call upon. Ethan Nwaneri, meanwhile, has impressed during pre-season alongside another gem coming off the Arsenal production line in Ife Ibrahim.
Chelsea's stance and Manchester United interest
The Blues are yet to indicate whether or not they will make a move, but they were last week linked with further midfield reinforcements, with Zubimendi said to be on their radar. Chelsea's stance could well depend on whether or not captain Enzo Fernandez remains at the club, and the current indications are that he intends to stay put, despite interest from Manchester City.
Manchester United, meanwhile, were linked with Lewis-Skelly earlier in the window and they are still on the lookout for a left-sided defender. Newcastle United's Lewis Hall remains their No.1 target, but they could renew their interest in the Arsenal star if it becomes clear his future lies elsewhere.
Swap deal speculation
And with Arsenal still requiring a left-sided forward, club legend Lee Dixon envisages a scenario whereby a swap deal involving Marcus Rashford could suit all parties. 'Would I swap them? You know what, I probably would,' the ex-Arsenal and England full-back told BestBettingSites. 'That's nothing against Myles Lewis-Skelly; it's about giving him the freedom to go and expand his game elsewhere. With Marcus Rashford, he's a player who needs an arm around his shoulder, and Arteta would be great for him. Give him that love, give him the freedom to play on that left side, and yeah, I'd like to see him in an Arsenal shirt.'
