Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has made it clear that Myles Lewis-Skelly will remain at the club even as he continues to be strongly linked with a move to Manchester United.
Lewis-Skelly talk
As they work to wrap up a deal with Brighton & Hove Albion for Carlos Baleba, United are also believed to be eyeing a left-back.
While Luke Shaw did well to be fit and start all Premier League games last season, his injury record strongly suggests that he cannot be relied upon to replicate this feat, especially with United now back in the Champions League.
Lewis Hall, Jorge Salinas and Lewis-Skelly appear to be the top targets on Unted’s list. A report covered by The Peoples Person indicated that United were offered the chance to snap up Lewis-Skelly, whose future at the Emirates remains highly uncertain.
Lewis-Skelly broke into the Arsenal team in 2024/25. He was oddly used intermittently last term, although he enjoyed a strong finish to the campaign, which also saw him start in the Champions League final loss to Paris Saint-Germain.
Arsenal CEO Richard Garlick added fuel to the fire when he hinted that offers for Lewis-Skelly could be considered. The player himself is understood to be keen on remaining at Arsenal, where he has established himself and feels at home.
Wayne Rooney recently called on United to do everything within their power to secure Lewis-Skelly’s services.
But Arteta has indicated that he is counting on Lewis-Skelly, all but dashing whatever hopes may have existed of United completing a late swoop for the teenager.
Arteta’s Lewis-Skelly update
Asked at a press conference on Thursday if he was confident Lewis-Skelly would stay beyond the summer window, Arteta answered, “100 per cent.”
The Spanish coach stressed the importance of keeping homegrown players who have proved themselves.
“Certainly. The players that have been raised in our system and genuinely feel that love and connection with the club bring something else. There is no question about that.”
“We need to look after them in a really special way because they bring value that is very difficult to find.”
“That’s why, when we can, we want to protect those assets as much as possible. Develop them and make them extremely important for the club.”
Meanwhile, United open their Premier League season on Saturday when they go away to Hull City.
Featured image Clive Mason via Getty Images
