Journo: Man Utd ‘laying the groundwork’ for seismic summer move for ‘special’ Arsenal first-team star

Manchester United have reportedly begun ‘laying the groundwork’ for a shock summer pursuit of Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly.According to TeamTalk journalist Graeme Bailey, the Red Devils have set their sights on the youngster to rival Luke Shaw at left-back next season. Man United have begun laying the groundwork for a new left back ahead of the summer transfer window, with @TEAMtalk able to exclusively reveal a number of targets – including Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly.https://t.co/JhkxcEA50X — Graeme Bailey (@GraemeBailey) March 22, 2026DOWNLOAD THE OFFICIAL STRETTY NEWS APP FOR ALL THE LATEST UPDATES & BREAKING NEWS – STRAIGHT TO YOUR PHONE! ON APPLE & GOOGLE PLAYWhy United are targeting Lewis-SkellyThe options in the position are set to be reduced this summer due to Tyrell Malacia leaving on a free when his contract expires in June.Additionally, Patrick Dorgu has enjoyed his most eye-catching form when operating as an attacker, rather than being restricted to a defensive shift.Meanwhile, the Gunners are said to be ‘bracing for a summer of change’, which is likely to see Lewis-Skelly sold. The player himself is thought to be open to a move to secure increased game time elsewhere, having fallen out of favour under Mikel Arteta this term.How Lewis-Skelly is faring this seasonAfter breaking onto the scene last campaign, the ‘special’ Hale End graduate was initially utilised a number of times off the bench before cementing a starting spot in the closing stages of the season.By the end of 2024/2025, Lewis-Skelly had started 15 Premier League matches and featured another eight times as a substitute. Miles Lewis-Skelly has won 83% of his ground duels in the Premier League this season, the best rate of any player to have contested at least 20. Having an impressive breakout campaign. 🙌 pic.twitter.com/x2czCEbasJ — Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) January 15, 2025However, the addition of Piero Hincapie and the impressive form of Riccardo Calafiori have seen the 19-year-old fall in the pecking order this time around; he has started just once in the league throughout 2026/2027, played 13 times as a substitute and been an unused option for a whopping 16 games, totalling only 312 minutes of action. Appearances Starts Minutes played 37 16 1,683 (Lewis-Skelly’s record in the league)Arteta has called upon Lewis-Skelly more in the Champions League, where the player has started six of their 10 matches played, albeit he was granted a single minute across both legs of Arsenal’s last-16 ties against Bayer Leverkusen.After signing a long-term bumper deal at the Emirates last year, Lewis-Skelly is tied to the club until 2030. Myles Lewis-Skelly’s 10-year association with Arsenal continues ♥ pic.twitter.com/Em1C2On33H — Premier League (@premierleague) June 26, 2025