Jeremie Aliadiere urges Arsenal youngster to consider Manchester United move

Former Arsenal striker Jeremie Aliadiere believes Myles Lewis-Skelly should seriously consider leaving the Emirates after Manchester United renewed their interest in the highly-rated midfielder.

The comments come as Arsenal prepare to complete the £75 million signing of Bruno Guimarães from Newcastle United, a move that further strengthens an already competitive midfield under Mikel Arteta.

Lewis-Skelly broke into Arsenal's first team two seasons ago but struggled for regular minutes during the majority of last season before earning a run in the side towards the end of the campaign.

However, Aliadiere believes Guimarães' arrival could push the 19-year-old even further down the pecking order.

Speaking to Metro, the former Arsenal forward admitted he would prefer to see Lewis-Skelly remain but feels regular football should be the player's priority.

"For me, it's a disappointment every time I see one of the academy boys having to leave the club."

"Putting myself in Myles' position, he needs to leave if he wants to have game time."

Aliadiere also pointed to the competition in midfield, with Declan Rice, Martin Ødegaard, Martin Zubimendi, Mikel Merino and Eberechi Eze already competing for places alongside incoming signing Guimarães.

Reports have suggested Manchester United have revived their interest in Lewis-Skelly, and Aliadiere believes a move could benefit the teenager's long-term development.

"For a young lad of his ability and his age, at some point, you need to think about your own career and about playing week in, week out."

"With the arrival of Guimarães, where is he in the pecking order now?"

The former striker admitted he would not like to see Lewis-Skelly join one of Arsenal's biggest rivals but questioned whether opportunities at the Emirates would be sufficient.

Aliadiere also believes fellow academy graduate Ethan Nwaneri is approaching a defining moment in his career.

Despite impressing during pre-season after returning from a loan spell at Marseille, Nwaneri faces fierce competition for attacking midfield places.

Aliadiere suggested that, with Arsenal continuing to strengthen and youngster Max Dowman also pushing for opportunities, Nwaneri may also have to consider leaving to secure consistent first-team football.

Arsenal are expected to complete the signing of Bruno Guimarães before the transfer window closes, after which attention could turn to the futures of several young midfielders. Manchester United's interest in Lewis-Skelly is likely to remain one of the situations to watch during the final weeks of the summer window.