Manchester United could have a reason to keep an eye on Myles Lewis-Skelly’s situation at Arsenal, with Gunners legend Ian Wright questioning why the club have not simply declared the youngster off limits.
Lewis-Skelly has been linked with a possible move away from Arsenal in recent weeks, with United among the clubs reportedly interested in bringing him to Old Trafford. The 19 year old is comfortable at left-back but his natural position is midfield, giving him the versatility that could appeal to Michael Carrick.
Lewis-Skelly does not appear to be pushing for an exit. He remains happy at his boyhood club and is prepared to compete for his place.
That has made the transfer speculation difficult to understand for Wright.
Where is the transfer speculation coming from for Lewis-Skelly
Speaking on Stick to Football, the former Arsenal striker questioned where the reports surrounding Lewis-Skelly’s future were coming from.
“I don’t know where that’s coming from because I know for a fact that’s not coming from his team,” Wright said.
“It’s not coming from his mum. Arsenal fans need to chill out with his mum saying that she’s touting him about.”
Wright believes Arsenal could easily end the speculation if there is no intention of selling the youngster.
“Myles has already said he’s happy to stay. Why have Arsenal not just said he’s not for sale?”
That is where things could become interesting for Manchester United.
Manchester United have an opportunity to sign Lewis-Skelly
The Red Devils are looking for another option at left-back and have already been linked with Newcastle’s Lewis Hall and Club Brugge’s Joaquin Seys. Lewis-Skelly would offer something slightly different, given his ability to operate in midfield as well as on the left side of defence.
Ian Wright also believes Arsenal’s academy players can sometimes become victims of the financial pressures surrounding the club.
“The unfortunate thing you get when you’ve got a player who comes through the academy and breaks into the first team and does what they do, you’ve always got that noose of pure profit on them,” he said.
He used Ethan Nwaneri as another example, saying he was pleased Arsenal were considering a loan rather than selling the youngster outright.
But Lewis-Skelly is the player attracting United’s attention, and Wright understands why.
“When you’ve got someone like Myles who is playing well, it’s unbelievable what he’s capable of doing then of course Manchester United will see if something can happen.”
Lewis-Skelly appears happy at Arsenal but Arsenal’s need to sell him for pure profit maybe put Manchester United in the contention for a possible transfer.
But until Arsenal make their position completely clear, United can at least keep the door open.
