- Arsenal legend tips Manchester United to sign Lewis-Skelly
- English youngster fallen down Arteta’s pecking order
- Reds are short in depth at left-back
Former Arsenal striker Alan Smith has tipped teenage star Myles Lewis-Skelly to leave Arsenal for Manchester United at the end of the season.
The nineteen-year-old was a starter for the Gunners last season. That was before Riccardo Calafiori and Pierre Hincapie staked their claims in his position. Lewis-Skelly is seemingly now the third choice at left-back, which has left him questioning his future at The Emirates.
There is serious consideration to leave Arsenal this summer, which has alerted Premier League clubs such as United to his availability. An investment in the young Englishman could occur in the summer.
Smith Backs Lewis-Skelly For United
Smith played for Arsenal as a centre-forward between 1987 and 1995. For younger football fans, he is best known these days as a co-commentator for Sky Sports.
The 63-year-old believes that there is a good chance that Lewis-Skelly might look to exit North London He said (via Metro):
“I think Arsenal would sell him now, I mean, they could make a good profit given that he’s an academy player. Two players ahead of him at Arsenal are Calafiori and Hincapie, who are better defenders. A bit like Trent Alexander-Arnold, Lewis-Skelly is not such a good defender.”
Growing up at the Hale End academy, Lewis-Skelly played as a central midfielder. It is thought that he has the qualities to play at the elite level there. Mikel Arteta has used him as a left-back.
Smith continued:
“So, United buying him, that’ll be interesting. I mean, look, who’s going to be the manager at United? Maybe he’s going to have a say in that. But Lewis-Skelly, that’s his best role, coming into that midfield. Luke Shaw has been really steady for United at left-back. He’s had a good season, ever-present.”
Smith believes that Arsenal would sell to their rivals. He said:
“So, it’ll be interesting to see whether Manchester United go for him. I think Arsenal would sell him to United, in all fairness.”
Can United Sign Arsenal Star?
Tyrell Malacia is expected to leave when his contract expires this summer. It leaves the club with no outright competitor for Shaw except those who play as a makeshift in his position. Noussair Mazraoui and Diogo Dalot have deputised there this season. Patrick Dorgu, who is currently injured, has been used in a left-wing role instead.
Unless there is substantial profit from departures, it is hard to see United going all out for Lewis-Skelly. There are many higher-priority areas to assess, such as the central midfield.
The teenager’s exact price tag is yet to be revealed, but it is expected to be huge. The last major transfer involving fees between the two clubs was Robin van Persie’s arrival at Old Trafford in 2012.
The ball is in the court of the Gunners in this instance. United can realistically delay outright replacing Shaw by one more season. By that point, he would be approaching 32 years of age. However, his contract runs until 2027, so the Reds could risk losing him for free if they leave this problem until next year.
