Myles Lewis-Skelly finds himself at the centre of transfer speculation before Arsenal have even kicked off their competitive season, with reports suggesting both Manchester United and Chelsea have been given the chance to sign the 19-year-old, though Arsenal insist they have not put him on the market.
The young full-back burst onto the scene during the 2024-25 campaign, quickly establishing himself as one of the Premier League's most promising defenders. That form earned him a call-up to the England squad, where he became the youngest player to score on his debut for the Three Lions. His rapid rise was rewarded last summer with a new five-year contract at the Emirates.
However, last season proved far tougher for the academy product, who fell behind Riccardo Calafiori and Piero Hincapie in the pecking order to become Arsenal's third-choice left-back. Club sources indicated in April that Arsenal would consider offers for Lewis-Skelly and fellow academy graduate Ethan Nwaneri, with a combined valuation of at least £100m being sought.
Despite that, a strong finish to the campaign — during which Lewis-Skelly excelled after being redeployed in his more natural central midfield role — appears to have prompted a change of heart within the club. He has continued to impress throughout pre-season, starting in each of Arsenal's last two friendlies as they prepare to face Manchester City in Sunday's Community Shield.
With several midfielders still working their way back into full fitness following the World Cup, and new arrival Bruno Guimaraes still settling into life at Arsenal, there remains a pathway for Lewis-Skelly to force his way into regular first-team contention.
According to BBC Sport, Lewis-Skelly was offered to Manchester United back in January, though Arsenal maintain they have not actively shopped him around. United could have use for him given their need for a left-back — new signing Patrick Dorgu has mainly featured in a more advanced, wide role under interim boss Michael Carrick, while incumbent left-back Luke Shaw, despite starting every league match last season, has a history of fitness issues. United have also been linked with Newcastle's Lewis Hall, though a deal is considered difficult, particularly following the departures of Sandro Tonali and Guimaraes from Newcastle.
Chelsea have similarly been offered the opportunity to sign Lewis-Skelly, but with Jorrel Hato and summer signing Pep Chavarria already occupying the left-back positions, and the club not competing in Europe this season, there appears to be little appetite for a third option in that role. Chelsea's midfield is also well stocked, with six central options currently on the books, though further departures — potentially involving Enzo Fernandez or a loan exit for Dario Essugo — cannot be ruled out.
For his part, Lewis-Skelly has been clear about his desire to remain at Arsenal and fight for a regular starting spot. The £75m arrival of Guimaraes from Newcastle has undoubtedly increased competition for places, but the scale of Arsenal's fixture list this season could still offer him enough opportunities to make his case.
Arsenal, meanwhile, continue to look at potential departures elsewhere in the squad as they balance their books following a summer outlay of more than £100m — on top of last year's £250m investment in eight new signings. Christian Norgaard has already departed for Everton in a £7m deal, while Leandro Trossard moved to Besiktas for around £15m. Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli remain available for the right offer, and Fabio Vieira and Reiss Nelson are no longer considered part of Mikel Arteta's plans.
As a homegrown player, any sale of Lewis-Skelly would represent significant profit on Arsenal's books — a detail not lost on the player himself, who jokingly captioned a photo with the Premier League trophy "pure profit" following the club's title celebrations at Selhurst Park. However, new Squad Cost Ratio regulations mean such profits will now be spread across three seasons rather than recorded immediately, somewhat softening the financial incentive to sell.
For now, a move away from Arsenal does not appear imminent, but with a host of suitors circling and his long-term role still uncertain, Lewis-Skelly's future remains one of the more intriguing subplots of Arsenal's summer transfer business.
Based on reporting from BBC Sport.