Manchester United have been offered the chance to sign Myles Lewis-Skelly from Arsenal after Bruno Guimaraes’ £75million arrival changed the teenager’s situation at the Emirates.
Fresh contact has taken place with United over the England international, who can strengthen two positions Michael Carrick wants to address before the transfer window closes.
United have been monitoring Lewis-Skelly for several months, but their interest had previously remained exploratory.
ReadManUtd reported on 2 August that United were attempting to establish whether Arsenal would consider doing business, with the Gunners preferring at that stage to retain their academy graduate.
That position has now changed considerably.
Man Utd offered chance to sign Myles Lewis-Skelly
Ben Jacobs has confirmed that Lewis-Skelly has been offered to both Manchester United and Chelsea, with fresh contact taking place following Guimaraes’ move to Arsenal.
The Guardian also reports that the 19-year-old has been offered to United as a potential solution at left-back.
Lewis-Skelly spent much of pre-season playing in central midfield, but the arrival of Guimaraes has added further competition alongside Declan Rice, Martin Zubimendi and Mikel Merino.
Arsenal could therefore be willing to cash in despite handing the England international a new five-year contract only last summer.
There are differing reports over the price required.
TEAMtalk reports that Arsenal have previously valued Lewis-Skelly at around £60million, although The Guardian puts his prospective price closer to £45million.
Either figure would represent a major investment from United.
The attraction for Carrick is obvious.
Lewis-Skelly can compete directly at left-back while also providing another option in central midfield, two areas United have been actively attempting to strengthen throughout the summer.
ReadManUtd previously reported that Lewis-Skelly was being considered as an alternative to Newcastle’s Lewis Hall, whose club have remained resistant to a sale.
That makes the latest development significant.
United no longer need to discover whether Lewis-Skelly could become available. They have now been made aware that a deal can potentially be explored.
Whether INEOS are prepared to meet Arsenal’s valuation and hand a major fee to a Premier League rival is the next decision.
