Why Man Utd could explore a surprise move for Arsenal’s Lewis Skelly
By Joel Masibo, August 2, 2026Manchester United could explore a move for talented Arsenal youngster Myles Lewis-Skelly in what would be one of the most unexpected transfer stories of the summer.
The Red Devils are looking to strengthen the left side of their defence ahead of the new campaign, and they could be tempted to poach Skelly from Arsenal.
Michael Carrick is eager to increase competition for Luke Shaw, especially after Patrick Dorgu moved further up the pitch, while young defender Diego Leon is still developing.
Although Newcastle United’s Lewis Hall remains among United’s preferred options, competition from Chelsea could make that pursuit more complicated.
As a result, the club is now assessing alternative targets, with Lewis-Skelly emerging as a player attracting serious interest.
United assessing Lewis-Skelly deal
The report states that Manchester United have admired Lewis-Skelly for a considerable period and are now evaluating whether a transfer could realistically be completed. The Arsenal teenager, whose market valuation is estimated at around £38.5 million (Ksh6 billion), found first-team opportunities limited for much of last season.
At left-back, manager Mikel Arteta regularly opted for Riccardo Calafiori and Piero Hincapie, while Martin Zubimendi and Declan Rice were his preferred midfield pairing.
However, Lewis-Skelly eventually forced his way into midfield as the season progressed, particularly when Zubimendi began showing signs of fatigue. The youngster started Arsenal’s Champions League semi-final second leg victory over Atletico Madrid before also featuring in the final against Paris Saint-Germain.
He also caught the eye during Arsenal’s 4-1 pre-season victory over Girona, providing the assist for Max Dowman’s goal with another composed display in midfield.
Despite the growing speculation, Arsenal are not believed to be actively looking to part ways with the academy graduate, who signed a contract extension running until 2030 last year.
Nevertheless, reports suggest the club could reconsider its position if it pushes ahead with expensive moves for Bruno Guimaraes and Vinicius Junior, as significant sales may be needed to balance spending.
Would selling Lewis-Skelly be the right move?
Arsenal have often been criticised for failing to maximise transfer income from player departures. Their biggest sale remains Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s £35 million move to Liverpool in 2017, with several high-profile players since leaving either for relatively small fees or after having their contracts terminated.
While those decisions have not prevented Arsenal from becoming Premier League champions, the club may need to make difficult financial choices if it hopes to complete blockbuster deals for Guimaraes and Vinicius Junior.
Even so, Lewis-Skelly arguably should not be among the first players considered for sale. More experienced squad members such as Gabriel Martinelli, Gabriel Jesus, Ben White, Fabio Vieira, and possibly even Martin Odegaard or Kai Havertz could attract interest before Arsenal contemplate losing one of their brightest academy prospects.
Unless Manchester United submit an offer well above his current valuation, potentially exceeding £60 million, Arsenal would have little incentive to cash in on a versatile, fearless and highly promising youngster who is viewed as an important part of the club’s future.