Myles Lewis-Skelly has been told to consider a move to Manchester United as Arsenal close in on Bruno Guimaraes. The Gunners have agreed a £75m deal for the Brazilian, who has completed his medical, making him Mikel Arteta's fourth summer signing.
Midfield competition intensifies
Guimaraes joins a midfield already featuring Declan Rice, Martin Odegaard, Mikel Merino, Eberechi Eze, and Martin Zubimendi. Christian Norgaard has already left for Everton after one season.
Former Arsenal striker Jeremie Aliadiere believes Lewis-Skelly, 19, may need to move for regular game time. Lewis-Skelly broke through two seasons ago but struggled for minutes in the title-winning campaign, despite a strong end to the season in central midfield.
Aliadiere: 'He needs to leave'
Reports indicate United have renewed their interest, and Aliadiere says the move could be best for the teenager. 'My heart would obviously say he is an Arsenal boy through and through, and you never want to see them leave the club,' he told Metro.
'For me, it's a disappointment every time I see one of the academy boys having to leave. I'm gutted every single time because I've been there, but putting myself in Myles' position, he needs to leave if he wants to have game time.'
Aliadiere added: 'I know he had an unbelievable end of season last year in the last five, 10 games with the Champions League final, but don't forget for three quarters of the season, he didn't touch a ball. He didn't get a minute. He didn't come on. He didn't play.'
Nwaneri at a crossroads
Aliadiere also believes Ethan Nwaneri faces a similar decision after his loan at Marseille. Nwaneri impressed in pre-season against Girona, but with competition and interest from Borussia Dortmund, he may need to move.
Aliadiere said: 'I just feel that Arsenal have gone to such a different dimension and a level that where is the space for him to come through? You see Max Dowman coming through, and obviously Max Dowman is a freak of nature, so you're going to have to find him game time, and I just do feel Ethan is at a crossroads.'
'He's still very young, so he's still got a lot of years, but he needs to play. He needs to play regular football, and playing Carabao Cup games and FA Cup games isn't enough for a player of his ability.'
