Manchester United target Arsenal youngster Lewis-Skelly in summer plans

Manchester United interest in Myles Lewis-Skelly is beginning to take shape ahead of a potentially transformative summer, with the Arsenal youngster emerging as one of several defensive options under consideration.

According to Sky Sports, United have added the 19-year-old left-back to a growing shortlist as they prepare for a window expected to bring significant squad changes at Old Trafford. With multiple positions under review, recruitment plans are already expanding beyond a single area of the pitch.

The situation also presents a decision point for Arsenal, where Lewis-Skelly’s pathway into the first team has become increasingly congested.

Lewis-Skelly broke through during the 2024/25 season but has found minutes harder to come by this term. Competition within Mikel Arteta’s squad has intensified, particularly with Riccardo Calafiori and Piero Hincapie both ahead in the pecking order.

Hincapie, currently on loan from Bayer Leverkusen, is expected to complete a permanent move to north London this summer, further limiting opportunities. As a result, Lewis-Skelly has made just 14 Premier League appearances this season, with only one start.

From the last few weeks of Arsenal’s campaign, his reduced involvement has been noticeable, especially during key fixtures where rotation options have been limited.

United are now monitoring that situation closely. Lewis-Skelly’s profile — young, versatile and technically strong — fits the type of player the club appear keen to recruit as part of a longer-term rebuild.

Sky Sports report that Lewis-Skelly is one of several left-back options being assessed, alongside Newcastle’s Lewis Hall and Eintracht Frankfurt’s Nathaniel Brown. While Luke Shaw remains first choice, United are already planning ahead given his contract situation and recent fitness record.

The club’s transfer activity is not expected to stop there. Reports also link United with Everton’s Iliman Ndiaye and RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande as attacking reinforcements, while midfield additions are seen as a priority.

Carlos Baleba, Elliot Anderson, Adam Wharton and Joao Gomes are all understood to be under consideration, with the club aiming to strengthen that area significantly.

United have already begun reshaping their squad. Last summer saw attacking reinforcements arrive, including Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko, alongside goalkeeper Senne Lammens.

At the same time, several high-profile departures were sanctioned, with Alejandro Garnacho, Marcus Rashford, Antony and Jadon Sancho all moving on.

Further exits are expected. Casemiro has confirmed he will leave when his contract expires this summer, while Rasmus Hojlund is set to make his loan move to Napoli permanent.

However, it remains too early to determine how aggressively United will pursue each target. Much will depend on outgoings and budget allocation once the window formally opens.

For Arsenal, the decision around Lewis-Skelly is not straightforward. The club are balancing squad depth with the need to generate funds for potential high-profile arrivals, including reported interest in Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.

Allowing a highly rated academy product to leave would carry long-term implications, particularly given his development trajectory. Yet limited game time may push both player and club towards a summer decision.

Having followed Arsenal closely this season, their defensive depth has been a strength, but it has also created bottlenecks for emerging talent.

As the summer window approaches, United are expected to refine their shortlist and prioritise key targets based on budget and squad needs. Movement on outgoing players could accelerate their plans.

Arsenal, meanwhile, will assess Lewis-Skelly’s role during pre-season planning. A decision on his future is likely to depend on both incoming transfers and his willingness to remain in a limited role.

Should Arsenal cash in on Lewis-Skelly, or is he a player they cannot afford to lose?