Myles Lewis-Skelly: Why Arsenal gem snubbed a move to United | OneFootball

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Manchester United attempted to prise Myles Lewis-Skelly away from Arsenal this summer, but their efforts failed to bear fruit. The Red Devils were looking for Luke Shaw’s long-term replacement this year and had identified the Gunners academy graduate as a possible option for the job.

The veteran left-back was in rejuvenated form in the 2025/26 campaign, during which he started every Premier League game for the first time in his career. Shaw is also the longest-serving player in Michael Carrick’s squad and is the only player who has appeared in every Premier League season since 2014.

While the player’s experience makes him an important member of United’s squad, his relatively poor fitness history remains a cause for concern. The 31 year old may have been impeccable last season, but he has now entered the final year of his contract at Old Trafford.

While United made a push for Newcastle United’s Lewis Hall and Barcelona’s Alejandro Balde this summer to address the situation, they also had their eyes on Lewis-Skelly.

Lewis-Skelly’s versatility enticed United

Lewis-Skelly’s ability to operate at left-back as well as in midfield made him a lucrative option for United this summer. The Red Devils invested heavily in the middle of the park this year, signing Andrey Santos, Youri Tielemans, and Carlos Baleba.

In Lewis-Skelly, however, they found a player who could solve two problems. The Englishman had the ability to provide cover for Shaw at left-back and could have eventually replaced the veteran full-back.

Meanwhile, his experience of playing in midfield could have also made him a valuable asset, especially in the event of an injury. Last season, Lewis-Skelly registered four assists in 36 appearances across competitions for Arsenal, helping them win the Premier League.

Myles Lewis-Skelly Stats: 2025/26 Season

The 19 year old’s skillset and age made him an enticing option for INEOS, but they failed to get a deal across the line. A new update has now revealed why the move failed to see the light of day.

Lewis-Skelly had no desire to leave Arsenal

According to The Athletic, Lewis-Skelly was offered to United by an intermediary. The report states: “Myles Lewis-Skelly was offered to Manchester United and Chelsea by an intermediary. When the news broke, it sent ripples through the squad — and the reaction from the fanbase was even stronger.”

“Arsenal insist they did not offer Lewis-Skelly directly — while sources at both Manchester United and Chelsea maintain they were proposed the player. United held a strong interest in the 19-year-old and believed Arsenal could be amenable to selling at the right price.”

The teenager, however, had no desire to leave the Emirates and remained focused on becoming a first-team regular with the Gunners. The report continued: “Lewis-Skelly, however, was focused throughout on establishing himself with his boyhood club. He never wanted to leave, nor did he explore a move away from the Emirates Stadium.”

Final Thoughts

There is no denying that Lewis-Skelly could have been a fantastic addition to Michael Carrick’s squad, which is crying out for cover at left-back. Fans will hope that the decision to end the transfer window without strengthening the position will not come back to haunt United.

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✅ Reported by a source with a strong Manchester United track record. ✅ TPP have already reported United’s interest in Lewis-Skelly’s signature.