Myles Lewis-Skelly has been linked with a summer move to Old Trafford.
Myles Lewis-Skelly scored for Arsenal against Como on Thursday night
Myles Lewis-Skelly scored for Arsenal against Como on Thursday night (Image: GETTY)
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has broken his silence on the transfer talk involving Myles Lewis-Skelly, who has been linked with a move to Manchester United. The youngster has been tipped to leave the Emirates Stadium this summer in the wake of Bruno Guimaraes' arrival. It was reported earlier this week that he had been offered to United as well as Chelsea for a potential exit this summer.
United are on the lookout for a third new midfielder, having already recruited Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans. They are also said to be in the market for a left-back to provide Luke Shaw with competition for places. Lewis-Skelly is capable of covering both positions and would potentially be a smart signing for the Red Devils ahead of the new season.
Arsenal, meanwhile, have denied that Lewis-Skelly is for sale, while the player himself is believed to be happy in north London with no desire to leave.
Arteta was quizzed on the situation after Thursday's friendly against Como, a game in which Lewis-Skelly scored the opener in a 1-1 draw.
Reflecting on his goal celebration, Arteta stated: "Ah, emotional? Well, it's good to score a goal. You should be emotional when you score a goal.
"He's a very emotional player. Remember when he did all the gestures on the pitch [mimicking Erling Haaland]. So I'm not going to talk about any speculation.
"If there is a speculation about our play, it's a good sign. That means that we attract attention and they're doing a good job."
It has been a relatively subdued summer thus far for Arteta's Premier League champions, and the Spaniard made it abundantly clear he is looking to bolster rather than deplete his squad.
He went on when asked whether he was content with Arsenal's transfer activity to date: "Well, there is more that we want to do.
"Because every time we have an opportunity to improve the squad and bring more quality and depth to the squad, we need to do that. But we are actively trying to do so.
"The thing in the market, it doesn't just depend on you. And we are very clear on that. But the approach, the will and the desire of the club, that's unquestionable.
Mikel Arteta was quick to play down talk of a potential move to United
Mikel Arteta was quick to play down talk of a potential move to United (Image: GETTY)
"And we want to try to do that. But we cannot promise that we're going to do it. Because, again, it doesn't only depend on us."
Arteta also indicated he was happy with Ethan Nwaneri, who is reportedly admired by Galatasaray.
He said of the attacking midfielder: "He's been really good. Probably what happened on the field, on his loan in Marseille, wasn't what was expected. And there was a lot of noise and change around the club. But he looks different.
"He looks more mature. He's incredible at that. It's what six months can do to you. A different experience for the boys. To be on your own, to go through tough times.
"And just to witness that there's another part of football that you have to be good enough to cope with. And I'm really happy with what he's done in pre-season."
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