Chelsea have made a new enquiry about signing Arsenal midfielder Myles Lewis-Skelly, with the Blues maintaining long-term interest in the England international.
The 19-year-old has attracted interest from both Chelsea and Manchester United, although Arsenal do not want to sell the academy graduate to a local rival.
The Gunners’ stance has become particularly relevant following their £75m signing of Bruno Guimaraes from Newcastle United.
Lewis-Skelly enjoyed a breakthrough period towards the end of last season after Mikel Arteta moved him into midfield, becoming an important part of Arsenal‘s title run-in.
Chelsea maintain long-term interest
Sky Sports reports Chelsea have made another check on Lewis-Skelly’s availability after previously being linked with the teenager in January.
The Blues’ renewed enquiry comes as Arsenal assess their squad following a busy summer of recruitment, with the arrival of Guimaraes adding another established option to Arteta’s midfield.
Lewis-Skelly has demonstrated his versatility by operating both as a left-back and midfielder, but it was his performances in central midfield during the closing stages of last season that significantly raised his profile.
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Arsenal face difficult decision
The Gunners have to weigh up the sporting value of keeping an academy graduate who has already shown he can perform at the highest level against the financial benefits of a potential sale.
Sky Sports reports that Arsenal accept they will need to make sales this summer, with academy graduates such as Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri representing pure profit for the club.
Man United also monitoring situation
Chelsea are not the only Premier League club interested, with Manchester United having maintained a long-term interest in Lewis-Skelly.
Man United are still deciding whether to prioritise another midfielder or a left-back before the transfer deadline, meaning their interest could depend on how their remaining recruitment plans develop.
For Arsenal, however, Lewis-Skelly’s emergence has made the situation more complicated.
His ability to contribute in midfield and at left-back gives Arteta valuable depth, while his age and academy status make him an attractive asset in the transfer market.
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