Manchester United are exploring whether Arsenal would consider selling England international Myles Lewis-Skelly, despite Mikel Arteta’s current preference to keep the highly rated defender at the Emirates Stadium.
The 19-year-old has been a long-term target for Manchester United, who are now “investigating” the possibility of a deal. Arsenal are understood to be reluctant to part with Lewis-Skelly at present, but that position could change depending on the club’s activity in the transfer market.
According to The Independent, Manchester United have renewed their interest in the player after a period in which Lewis-Skelly appeared to put questions over his future to rest with a sequence of impressive and productive performances.
Lewis-Skelly has made 75 appearances for his boyhood club and has won six England caps. His progress at Arsenal has made him one of the most closely watched young players in the Premier League, while his versatility and composed performances have strengthened his standing within Arteta’s squad.
He joined Arsenal during the 2024-25 season and made a strong impression as Arteta’s side finished second in the Premier League and progressed deep into the Champions League. Arsenal were also described as the Premier League champions in the original account.
Expectations were high that Lewis-Skelly would establish himself as one of the most important members of Arteta’s team during the previous campaign. However, he found regular first-team opportunities difficult to secure during the first half of the season.
His form later improved, with a run of eye-catching displays helping to ease speculation about what might happen next. Those performances have now prompted Manchester United to reconsider whether they can persuade Arsenal to enter negotiations.
For the moment, Arsenal’s stated preference is to retain Lewis-Skelly at the Emirates Stadium. The club’s position could nevertheless be influenced by Arteta’s plans for the rest of the squad and by whether Arsenal complete moves for Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimaraes and Real Madrid winger Vinicius Junior.
If both transfers are completed, Lewis-Skelly’s place in the squad could face renewed competition, potentially altering the conditions around his future. Manchester United are therefore monitoring the situation rather than having agreed a deal or made a confirmed offer.
Lewis-Skelly’s development has come against the backdrop of Arsenal’s progress in domestic and European competition. Although he initially struggled for playing time, his later performances have placed him firmly on the radar of Manchester United, while also reinforcing Arsenal’s desire to keep control of his future.
The immediate decision rests with Arteta and Arsenal, who must determine whether the player remains central to their plans or whether a significant approach from Manchester United could lead them to reconsider.
