Former Arsenal striker Alan Smith says he believes Arsenal could be willing to sell academy graduate Myles Lewis-Skelly to Manchester United this summer amid ongoing concerns over the defenders’s lack of regular first-team football.
Smith, now a pundit, made the comments this week while discussing Lewis-Skelly’s situation with the Gunners and the forward momentum of his career.
Lewis-Skelly broke through into ARSENAL’s senior side during the 2024–25 season, earning praise for his technical ability and creative output from left-back. However, this term has seen him slip down the pecking order under Mikel Arteta, with Riccardo Calafiori and Piero Hincapié preferred at left-back, limiting his appearances in the Premier League.
Reports from Sports Mole suggest that he has struggled for consistent minutes and hasn’t featured since mid-February, reinforcing speculation over his long-term future at the Emirates.
In recent weeks, agents representing Lewis-Skelly have reportedly offered his services to Manchester United, who are in the market for left-back reinforcements ahead of next season.
United’s interest is partly driven by uncertainty around the future of incumbent defenders, with Tyrell Malacia expected to exit and Luke Shaw approaching the latter stages of his contract. Lewis-Skelly’s versatility and England U21 experience reportedly make him an appealing target for the Old Trafford club
‘I think Arsenal would sell him now,’ Smith told BestBettingSites. ‘I mean, they could make a good profit given that he’s an academy player.
‘Two players ahead of him at ARSENAL are Calafiori and Hincapie, who are better defenders. A bit like Trent Alexander-Arnold, Lewis-Skelly is not such a good defender.
‘So, United buying him, that’ll be interesting. I mean, look, who’s going to be the manager at United? Maybe he’s going to have a say in that But Lewis-Skelly, that’s his best role, coming into that midfield. Luke Shaw has been really steady for United at left-back. He’s had a good season, ever-present.
‘So, it’ll be interesting to see whether Manchester United go for him. I think Arsenal would sell him to United, in all fairness.’
Why a Move Could Make Sense
From Lewis-Skelly’s perspective, a switch to Manchester United could provide the regular senior football he has been denied this season. Consistent playing time at a club with clear needs at left-back could be crucial for his development — both on the pitch and in raising his profile internationally.
For Arsenal, selling Lewis-Skelly could also make financial sense. The club could realise significant transfer funds for a player whose game time has stagnated, helping balance the books or reinvest in areas of greater immediate need.
However, letting a homegrown talent leave — particularly to a domestic rival — carries risks, both in terms of fan backlash and missing out on the long-term rewards should he fulfil his potential elsewhere. Future seasons will reveal whether this potential transfer proves a pragmatic decision or a misstep in Arsenal’s youth development strategy.
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