Manchester United have been credited with an interest in signing Arsenal defender Myles Lewis-Skelly over the last few months
Arsenal Manager Mikel Arteta with Myles Lewis-Skelly
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta with Myles Lewis-Skelly(Image: David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
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Arsenal star Myles Lewis-Skelly has sent a clear message to Manchester United that he could also be used as a midfielder as well as at left-back. The Gunners defender was used in the middle of the park on Saturday’s 3-0 win over Fulham.
United have been heavily linked with strengthening their midfield this summer as they prepare for their return to the Champions League.
Sunday’s victory over Liverpool secured a top-five finish for United, and attention will soon turn towards the summer transfer window, where the Reds will be able to go into the market for reinforcements.
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Midfield is an area of the squad that United are likely to look for reinforcements with Casemiro expected to leave the club at the end of the season.
In separate rumours, reports in recent months have linked United with a move for Lewis-Skelly, with the England international not enjoying as much game time for Arsenal this season as he did during his breakthrough campaign last term.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta started Lewis-Skelly in a midfield role over the weekend, sending a clear message that the 19-year-old is capable of performing in more than one position.
Reports have suggested that Arsenal may need to sell one of their first-team players this summer in order to go into the market for reinforcements themselves, but it remains to be seen if Lewis-Skelly could be one to depart.
Arteta spoke about his decision to start Lewis-Skelly in midfield, with the Arsenal manager admitting he has been "tough" on the young star amid rumours of potential interest from United.
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"Maybe I should have done it [start Lewis-Skelly in midfield] earlier, I don’t know," Arteta said over the weekend. "I have to do things when I believe that the player is ready, the team is ready and the opponent is the right one.
"It was a big risk. If it works, it's great. If we lost the game I know what would have happened. 'How do you play a kid at this age, in this scenario, in a position that he has not played all season?'
"I knew that, but I had the feeling it was the right game for him.
"He fully deserves it. I have been tough on him. He had a spectacular season last year when he jumped into the first team, then had some difficult moments after that. But he stayed very humble, very focused and I knew he was ready."