Manchester United have been encouraged to make a move for Arsenal youngster Myles Lewis-Skelly, with club legend Rio Ferdinand backing the teenager as a potential signing for Michael Carrick’s side.
The 19-year-old has emerged as a name to watch this summer, with reports suggesting Arsenal could be willing to discuss his departure. Manchester United are among the clubs linked with the defender, who can operate at left-back as well as in midfield.
Ferdinand believes United shouldn’t hesitate if the opportunity is genuinely there.
Ferdinand tells United to act on Lewis-Skelly
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ferdinand was insistent when discussing the possibility of United signing the Arsenal youngster.
“If I’m Manchester United right now, I say press the green button and buy him, take him, right now,” Ferdinand said.
The former United defender was clearly impressed by what he saw from Lewis-Skelly during the previous campaign. He highlighted the youngster’s impact when he was brought into Arsenal’s side and believes his development makes him an attractive option for United.
“What a player, a top player. He was a massive part of the team when he was brought in towards the end of the season. He contributed to Arsenal winning the league, he was brilliant and came in and produced.”
Ferdinand also suggested that United should be prepared to spend heavily if Arsenal are ready to sell.
“If he’s on the market and he’s a good price you have to take him. The good price I’m saying is £60m or £70m.”
“If that’s the case, get the chequebook out, slap it down and sign him. No questions asked, I would take him.”
It wasn’t just Lewis-Skelly’s ability that caught Ferdinand’s attention. His age, versatility and mentality were also factors.
“He’s young, a huge talent, can play in two positions and I think mentally he’s made of the right stuff.”
United weighing up move amid conflicting reports
There is still uncertainty over whether a deal is actually possible as conflicting reports have emerged on the defender.
The Guardian reported that Lewis-Skelly has been offered to Manchester United, with Chelsea also informed about his availability. His potential asking price has been quoted at around £45 million.
United are understood to be considering the situation, particularly with left-back an area the club are open to improving.
However, there has been a different update from The Telegraph. According to the report from The Telegraph, both Manchester United and Chelsea have already rejected the opportunity to sign the Arsenal teenager.
Lewis-Skelly’s position at Arsenal is also less secure than it might have been expected after his involvement last season. He made just five league starts and 36 appearances across all competitions in Arsenal’s title winning 2025-26 season. Mikel Arteta is reportedly favouring Riccardo Calafiori and Piero Hincapie in the position and Lewis-Skelly finds it difficult to break into the team regularly. That has created uncertainty around the youngster’s future at the Emirates.
From United’s perspective, the situation could be worth monitoring. The club have multiple players and targets being considered for the left-back role, while Lewis-Skelly’s ability to cover two positions adds another reason for Ferdinand to rate him so highly.
For now, though, the reports don’t point to a clear path towards Old Trafford. United are weighing up their options, while conflicting claims continue to emerge over whether the club have any interest in pursuing a deal.
