Manchester United have been handed fresh encouragement over Myles Lewis-Skelly after Arsenal chief executive Richard Garlick revealed the club would consider the right opportunity for their homegrown players.
Lewis-Skelly has emerged as one of United’s potential left-back targets, with Arsenal previously reported to have made the 19-year-old available for around £45million.
The England international would particularly appeal to Michael Carrick because of his ability to operate both at left-back and in central midfield.
Arsenal have now publicly addressed the uncertainty surrounding his future.
Speaking about Lewis-Skelly, Garlick stressed that Arsenal remain happy with the youngster and are not actively trying to sell their leading academy graduates.
However, he also admitted that should an opportunity arise which suited the player and Arsenal, the Premier League champions would consider it.
Myles Lewis-Skelly door remains open for Man Utd
That distinction could be significant for United.
Lewis-Skelly is not being pushed towards the Emirates exit, but Arsenal have stopped short of declaring him completely unavailable.
United already know exactly what the teenager could offer.
ReadManUtd highlighted earlier this week how Lewis-Skelly made an immediate impact during Arsenal’s Community Shield victory over Manchester City, creating the opening goal after just 23 seconds while starting in midfield.
His versatility now looks particularly relevant.
Lewis-Skelly fits that description almost perfectly.
Wayne Rooney has also urged his former club to pursue the youngster, describing a potential deal at the reported price as a “no-brainer”.
Arsenal’s position still makes a transfer difficult.
Garlick made clear that the club want to retain their best players and Lewis-Skelly himself has not been pushing to leave.
But the door has not been completely closed either.
United’s interest has moved into even sharper focus now that the exact profile Carrick wants has emerged.
If INEOS decide Lewis-Skelly is worth pursuing, Arsenal’s latest stance suggests there could at least be a conversation to have.
