Manchester United explore Arsenal raid for England international
Manchester United are investigating whether Arsenal would consider selling Myles Lewis-Skelly as Michael Carrick looks to strengthen at left-back.
The situation remains at an exploratory stage, with Arsenal currently preferring to keep the England international.
The Independent reports that United have a long-standing interest in the 19-year-old and are attempting to establish whether a deal could become possible this summer. Lewis-Skelly’s ability to operate at left-back and in midfield is understood to appeal to the Old Trafford hierarchy.
United are yet to make an offer and Arsenal are not actively looking to sell their academy graduate. However, their position could reportedly be affected if Mikel Arteta completes major deals for Bruno Guimaraes and Vinicius Junior.
🚨 Manchester United are investigating whether a deal for Myles Lewis-Skelly is possible & are aiming to see whether Arsenal would do business, given Arsenal plan to spend big over the next few weeks.
Arsenal prefer to keep Lewis-Skelly, but there is a sense the situation could… pic.twitter.com/lI1c2Wbrsm
— afcstuff (@afcstuff) August 1, 2026
Myles Lewis-Skelly to Manchester United adds another left-back option
Lewis-Skelly established himself in Arsenal’s first team during the 2024/25 campaign before finding regular starts harder to secure last season.
His situation improved towards the end of the campaign, when he returned to Arteta’s team and started Arsenal’s Champions League final victory over Paris Saint-Germain. That resurgence is one reason Arsenal currently want him to stay.
United’s interest also comes while they continue working on a move for Lewis Hall.
ReadManUtd reported on Saturday that United are preparing a £60million move for the Newcastle defender, with Fabrizio Romano confirming Hall has been internally approved at Old Trafford. Newcastle remain reluctant to sell the 21-year-old.
That makes Lewis-Skelly an interesting alternative for Carrick.
Luke Shaw remains United’s most experienced specialist left-back, while Lewis-Skelly could offer cover in two areas of the squad. His ability to step into midfield would also give Carrick greater tactical flexibility.
For now, United appear to be testing Arsenal’s position rather than advancing towards an agreement.
Arsenal want to keep Lewis-Skelly, so any move would depend on their remaining transfer business creating an unexpected opportunity before the window closes.
James Chettle is a journalism graduate from the University of Liverpool with a strong passion for football and digital sports media. A lifelong Chelsea supporter, James manages dedicated social media pages for fellow Blues fans, giving him a close understanding of supporter culture and the conversations that matter most to audiences. Alongside his Chelsea-focused work, he writes across the Dave.Sport network, covering West Ham United, Arsenal, Brighton & Hove Albion, Aston Villa, Crystal Palace and Manchester United. His journalism spans breaking news, transfers, match analysis and the wider stories shaping clubs across the Premier League.
View all articles →
dave.sport is in beta
We are building a new home for independent sports coverage. dave.sport is currently in beta, with new features and publisher tools rolling out as we test what fans need most.
Explore the beta
Lewis Hall Deal ‘Approved’ as Manchester United Push £70m Move
Lewis Hall Deal ‘Approved’ as Manchester United Push £70m Move
Manchester United Considering Move for Arsenal’s Lewis-Skelly
Manchester United Considering Move for Arsenal’s Lewis-Skelly