RESOLVING THE LEDGER
This is one outlet's own report from BBC Sport — the article as it was filed. Other outlets are covering the same event; open the full story to compare every source side by side.
See the full story · 2 sources
Myles Lewis-Skelly is already a hot topic and the season isn't officially under way.
The 19-year-old's long-term future at Arsenal has been debated since he slipped down the pecking order last season - behind Riccardo Calafiori and Piero Hincapie - as Arsenal 's third choice left-back.
In his breakthrough season in 2024-25, he quickly developed into one of the best young full-backs in the Premier League, which led to him earning a place in the England squad and becoming the youngest man to score on his Three Lions debut.
The following summer, the academy graduate was rewarded with a new five-year contract. But last season was more difficult.
Arsenal had considered listening to offers for Lewis-Skelly, with club sources indicating in April they would look to recoup a minimum combined £100m for Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri.
But his excellent end-of-season resurgence, in his natural position of centre midfield, may have sparked a rethink over his status during this transfer window.
Lewis-Skelly has been one of the standout performers during pre-season and has started the past two friendlies as the Gunners prepare for the Community Shield against Manchester City on Sunday.
With a number of midfielders returning late from the World Cup, and new signing Bruno Guimaraes still getting used to his new surroundings, Lewis-Skelly could still make another go at becoming a first team regular for the Gunners.
On Tuesday, news headlines suggested Lewis-Skelly could be on the move with two Premier League clubs reportedly interested.
One source told BBC Sport that Lewis-Skelly was offered to Manchester United in January, but Arsenal say they have not actively offered him to anyone.
Manchester United do need a left-back though, with their most recent signing in the position, Patrick Dorgu, playing in an advanced role throughout this pre-season.
Dorgu was mostly injured after Michael Carrick took charge but all of his Premier League appearances under the United boss were on the wing or in a wide attacking role.
Luke Shaw started every Premier League game last season but his overall fitness record is patchy.
United have been linked with a move for Newcastle 's Lewis Hall, but accept it would be difficult to sign him, particularly after the departures of Sandro Tonali and Guimaraes from the club.
If they did sign Lewis-Skelly there is also the option that he could fill the third midfielder position there is still debate over, but the feeling is that United want another natural full-back to challenge for a starting role.
Like United, Chelsea also say they have been offered the chance to sign Lewis-Skelly but Arsenal maintain they have not offered the player to any other team.
Chelsea have two left-backs already in Jorrel Hato and new signing Pep Chavarria and are not in Europe, so will not have as many fixtures to navigate this season.
With that in mind they are not expected to sign a third left-back to supplement their squad. Chelsea also have six central midfielders, although it is possible Enzo Fernandez could be sold and Dario Essugo leaves on loan.
It makes it unlikely Chelsea would be in the market to sign Lewis-Skelly without substantial sales.
Lewis-Skelly has made it clear that he wants to stay at Arsenal and is focused on working to try to establish himself as a first team regular at the club.
There is no denying his position in the Arsenal first team is under threat after the arrival of midfielder Guimaraes for £75m from Newcastle United , but there is also the prospect that with so many matches, Lewis-Skelly could still get the game time he desires.
But Arsenal are looking to sell members of their squad before the transfer window closes.
Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli would be available if a suitable offer was made, while Fabio Vieira and Reiss Nelson are not part of Mikel Arteta's plans.
Arsenal invested heavily in the market last summer, bringing in eight players for £250m, and they have spent over £100m in this window already while stil looking to add more players before the deadline.
They have sold Christian Norgaard to Everton for £7m and Leandro Trossard to Besiktas for about £15m, but the Gunners are aware they have to be flexible in the market as the deadline gets closer.
As an academy graduate, if Lewis-Skelly is sold he would present 'pure profit' in the club's accounts.
That fact is something Lewis-Skelly is aware of, writing the caption "pure profit" on a picture of himself with the Premier League trophy when Arsenal celebrated the title at Selhurst Park on the final day of last season.
The impact of the potential sale has changed, however, with the introduction of the new Squad Cost Ratio (SCR) rules, as any sale of a player will now be spread evenly over three seasons - meaning clubs won't be able to show such an immediate boost on their books after selling an academy graduate.
At the moment it does not look like a move for Lewis-Skelly is imminent, but that does not mean his future at Arsenal is certain just yet.
Latest Arsenal news, analysis and fan views
Ask about Arsenal - what do you want to know?
AIPROPX is an independent multi-source news index — we track, compare, and connect coverage from across the web into one place you won't find anywhere else.