Myles Lewis-Skelly, the Arsenal academy graduate, is reportedly focused on remaining with the club and establishing himself in Mikel Arteta’s first-team plans for the upcoming season. Despite interest from other clubs, Lewis-Skelly is content at Arsenal and is not actively seeking a move away.
Reports indicate that both Chelsea and Manchester United were approached by an intermediary associated with Lewis-Skelly regarding a potential transfer. However, both clubs reportedly declined the opportunity to sign the player. Manchester United were prepared to consider a move for Lewis-Skelly but deemed his valuation to be too high.
Lewis-Skelly, who signed a long-term contract with Arsenal in the summer of 2025, has been a regular starter for the club during pre-season fixtures. The club is not actively offering the England international for sale, suggesting a desire to retain him.
Lewis-Skelly’s rise and club context
The 19-year-old midfielder concluded the previous season in strong form, contributing to Arsenal’s success as they secured their first Premier League title in 22 years. His performances have garnered attention from other teams, with Chelsea reportedly showing interest.
Lewis-Skelly’s breakthrough campaign saw him earn a call-up to the England team, for whom he has made six appearances. He has been with Arsenal since the age of eight and made his first-team debut during the 2024-25 season. Initially breaking through as a left-back, he secured a starting position in his preferred central midfield role last season. His form during Arsenal’s title-winning run-in also led to a start in the Champions League Final against Paris Saint-Germain.
The club had considered listening to offers for Lewis-Skelly, but his strong finish to last season in his preferred central midfield position has prompted a potential reconsideration of his status this summer.
Arsenal have strengthened their midfield this summer with the acquisition of Bruno Guimaraes from Newcastle United for £75m. This arrival could potentially impact Lewis-Skelly’s position within the first team. Lewis-Skelly was not part of Thomas Tuchel’s World Cup squad this summer, despite his six caps for England.
Transfer market considerations
The club is aware that they may need to be flexible in the transfer market and are looking to sell players before the transfer window closes. As an academy graduate, Lewis-Skelly represents “pure profit” in the club’s accounts if he were to be sold. This financial aspect is something Lewis-Skelly acknowledges, having captioned a picture of himself with the Premier League trophy at Selhurst Park with “pure profit” during the title celebrations on the final day of last season.
Despite these considerations, Lewis-Skelly’s focus remains on competing for regular first-team football at Arsenal. He has made 75 first-team appearances for the club.
Other transfer news across the league includes Newcastle exploring a move for Benfica right-back Amar Dedic, and Aston Villa reaching a verbal agreement to sign Matteo Ruggeri from Atletico Madrid. Tottenham are interested in AS Monaco forward Folarin Balogun, who previously played for Arsenal. Kyle Walker is a target for Everton, and Manchester City defender Max Alleyne is joining Burnley on a season-long loan. Paul Pogba is set to depart Monaco by mutual agreement midway through his two-year contract, having made just six appearances for the club. Benfica are also weighing up a move for Southampton centre-back Taylor Harwood-Bellis. Premier League newcomers Hull City are reportedly in pole position to sign Millwall winger Femi Azeez. Solly March has spent time at the Crystal Palace training ground ahead of a potential free transfer, and a consortium deal to buy a £1.5bn stake in Liverpool could be finalised this week. Celtic have been informed they will need to pay more than £8m to secure Torino midfielder Gvidas Gineitis.
Lewis-Skelly started the last two pre-season friendlies as Arsenal prepare for the Community Shield against Manchester City on Sunday.
Source: skysports.com