Ex striker believes that Manchester United could sign Lewis-Skelly
Teenager has fallen down pecking order
Reds are short in depth at left-back
Ex Arsenal player Alan Smith has tipped teenage star Myles Lewis-Skelly to leave Arsenal for Manchester United at the end of the season.
The nineteen-year-old was a starter for the Gunners last season. That was before Riccardo Calafiori and Pierre Hincapie staked their places in his position. Lewi-Skelly is now third choice at left-back, which has left him questioning his future at The Emirates.
There is serious consideration to leave Arsenal this summer, which has alerted Premier League clubs such as United to his availability. An investment in the young Englishman
Smith Predicts Exit
🚨 Ex-Arsenal striker Alan Smith believes his former team would be willing to sell Myles Lewis-Skelly:
"I think Arsenal would sell him now, I mean, they could make a good profit given that he’s an academy player."
‘"Two players ahead of him at Arsenal are Calafiori and… pic.twitter.com/pwQzIwqzAc
— SimplyUtd (@SimplyUtd) April 3, 2026
Smith played for Arsenal as a centre forward between 1987 and 1995. For younger football fans, he is best known as a co-commentator for Sky Sports these days.
The 63 year-old believes that there is a good chance that Lewis-Skelly will look to exit North London, as reported by Metro.
He said: “I think Arsenal would sell him now, I mean, they could make a good profit given that he’s an academy player. Two players ahead of him at Arsenal are Calafiori and Hincapie, who are better defenders. A bit like Trent Alexander-Arnold, Lewis-Skelly is not such a good defender.”
Growing up at the Hale End academy, Lewis-Skelly played as a central midfielder. It is thought that he has the qualities to play at the elite level there. However, under Mikel Arteta he is a left-back.
Smith continued: “So, United buying him, that’ll be interesting. I mean, look, who’s going to be the manager at United? Maybe he’s going to have a say in that. But Lewis-Skelly, that’s his best role, coming into that midfield. Luke Shaw has been really steady for United at left-back. He’s had a good season, ever-present.”
Smith believes that Arsenal would sell to their rivals. He said: “So, it’ll be interesting to see whether Manchester United go for him. I think Arsenal would sell him to United, in all fairness.”
Can United Afford Young Star?
Tyrell Malacia is expected to leave when his contract expires this summer. It leaves the club with no outright competitor for Shaw except those who play as makeshift in his position. Noussair Mazraoui and Diogo Dalot have deputised there this season. Patrick Dorgu, who is currently injured, has been used in a left wing role instead.
Unless there is a substantial amount of profit made from departures, it is hard to see United going all out for Lewis-Skelly. There are many bigger priorities to assess, such as central midfield.
The teenager’s exact price tag is yet to be revealed, but it is expected to be huge. The last major transfer involving fees between the two clubs was when Robin Van Persie arrived at Old Trafford in 2012.
The ball is in the court of the Gunners in this instance. United can realistically delay outright replacing Shaw by one more season. By that point, he would be approaching 32 years of age. However, his contract runs until 2027, so the Reds could risk losing him for free if they leave this problem until next year.