Mikel Arteta_v3
Arsenal face a difficult call over their 19-year-old academy graduate after reports claimed the club offered Myles Lewis-Skelly to Manchester United and Chelsea. The Myles Lewis-Skelly transfer story gathered pace after Arsenal spent £75m on Bruno Guimarães, with the teenager’s versatility and homegrown status creating a financial incentive. The Guardian reported on 11 August that Arsenal had offered him to United as a possible left-back solution, while The Times later reported Chelsea’s interest and a potential fee of around £60m.
Scholes, speaking on The Overlap Fan Debate, argued that Arsenal would regret such a move and suggested selling Martín Zubimendi instead. Carragher agreed, especially after Lewis-Skelly’s performances in major fixtures. The youngster started the Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain, underlining the trust Arsenal placed in him. His England status adds value, as he became the youngest player to score on his senior debut under Thomas Tuchel in March 2025.
Myles Lewis-Skelly transfer raises a serious Arsenal question
Scholes’ argument has more force because Lewis-Skelly offers something Zubimendi cannot: tactical flexibility at 19. Arsenal used him at left-back and in midfield last season, while his late surge centrally brought athleticism, ball progression and freedom. He made 20 Premier League appearances and 10 in Europe, including the final, while producing two Champions League assists. He became the youngest player to score on his senior debut under Thomas Tuchel, finding the net against Albania in March 2025.
My view leans toward keeping him through this window. Arsenal can justify a sale because homegrown profit matters, yet that logic shouldn’t decide a footballer’s fate after one expensive summer. His situation changed after Riccardo Calafiori and Piero Hincapié moved ahead at left-back, but Arteta trusted him in midfield, and his pre-season use has reinforced that versatility. A goal against Como and his determination to reject the “pure profit” label suggest he wants to fight for his place.
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Chelsea already have heavy midfield competition, while Manchester United appear to favour a natural full-back such as Lewis Hall. So even with Arsenal seeking a sizeable fee, neither rival looks like a perfect destination today. Bruno Guimarães increases the squeeze, but Arsenal still need depth through both departments. The Myles Lewis-Skelly transfer should end with the teenager staying for the first half of 2026/27, operating as an inverted option in both areas and giving Arteta a selection headache rather than forcing a late sale. If his minutes collapse, January could reopen the discussion.