Manchester United 'explore shock deal for Arsenal defender' as Lewis Hall alternative

Man Utd are monitoring Myles Lewis-Skelly’s availability

Manchester United are reportedly exploring whether a move for Arsenal defender Myles Lewis-Skelly is possible as they continue efforts to strengthen at left-back before the transfer window closes.

The Independent report that United are understood to retain a long-standing interest in the England Under-21 international and are assessing whether Arsenal would consider offers should their squad plans change later in the summer.

Lewis-Skelly's future appeared less certain during parts of last season when regular first-team opportunities were limited, but he ended the campaign as an important figure under Mikel Arteta.

The 19-year-old started Arsenal's Champions League final defeat to Paris Saint-Germain and played a key role in the closing stages as the Gunners secured the Premier League title. Standard Sport understands that Lewis-Skelly was available this summer before his late-season resurgence.

Myles Lewis-Skelly

Getty

However, the situation could change again.

Arsenal are expected to remain active in the transfer market. Mikel Arteta is pursuing a deal for Newcastle captain Bruno Guimaraes and continue to push for a club-record deal for Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr'. Should those moves materialise, Arsenal may need to balance spending with player sales.

Lewis-Skelly is not among those they are actively seeking to move on, but the report claims Man Utd are monitoring the situation.

Players including Reiss Nelson, Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Martinelli and Viktor Gyokeres have all been linked with potential departures, while Christian Norgaard is expected to complete a move to Everton. Any significant incomings and outgoings could alter Arsenal's squad picture before the window closes.

Lewis Hall

United are also continuing talks over Newcastle left-back Lewis Hall. The England international is understood to be open to a move to Old Trafford following an uncertain summer at St James' Park, where the club are reviewing their long-term recruitment strategy.

A deal for Hall is considered more advanced than any move for Lewis-Skelly, although negotiations remain ongoing and no agreement has yet been reached.

United are expected to assess several defensive options before making a final decision, with both players fitting the profile of young, home-grown talent the club are keen to recruit. Arsenal, meanwhile, remain reluctant to sanction Lewis-Skelly's departure unless circumstances change significantly before the transfer deadline.