Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has said that he believes Manchester United target Myles Lewis-Skelly will remain at the Emirates Stadium beyond the summer transfer window. United are on the lookout for a left-back to provide competition to Luke Shaw in the upcoming season.
With Patrick Dorgu expected to play further forward and Harry Amass linked with a move away from Old Trafford, it leaves Shaw as the only option for Michael Carrick. United are targeting players who could come in as a potential successor to the 31-year-old.
Interest in Lewis Hall and Lewis-Skelly
Newcastle United's Lewis Hall has been of interest, but the Magpies are determined to keep hold of the player, making a move unlikely. Lewis-Skelly is another name who has been linked.
As reported by the Manchester Evening News, United are one of the clubs to be offered the 19-year-old, who can play either at left-back or in midfield. The teenager struggled for regular game time last season, but did impress in midfield during Arsenal's 3-0 Community Shield win over Manchester City last weekend.
Arteta's definitive response
Arteta has now given a clear indication on where he feels Lewis-Skelly's future lies. When asked by the MEN's sister title in the capital, football.london, in his pre-match press conference if he's confident that Lewis-Skelly will still be an Arsenal player by the end of the window, he simply said: “100 per cent!”
The definitive answer comes after Arsenal chief executive officer Richard Garlick had hinted that the club would be open to selling the left-back if the deal was right. "There's been a lot of speculation around players," he said about Lewis-Skelly and teammate Ethan Nwaneri. "I can't stop other clubs being interested. I think Myles has had a fantastic end to last season and has started this one really well - we're very, very happy with him."
He added: "We are not actively looking at selling those homegrown players but if the right opportunity came up - right for them and the club - we'd obviously consider that."
Midfield potential and Baleba deal
Lewis-Skelly's ability to play in midfield could come in handy for United, given their search for midfield reinforcements throughout the summer. United do, however, appear to be closing in on a £60 million plus-add-ons deal for Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba.
