Manchester United explored a potential transfer for Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly before the summer window closed, according to a report by The Athletic.
Intermediaries informed Michael Carrick’s side at the beginning of the summer that the 19-year-old could be available for a fee of around £45m.
Lewis-Skelly had started only two league games between January and April, which created uncertainty around his future at the Emirates Stadium.
Despite his limited game time, Arsenal supporters hold the homegrown youngster in high regard, and Lewis-Skelly himself was keen to stay at the club.
The Athletic reports that Arsenal subsequently increased their valuation of the England international to £70m, though United were not informed of that significant price increase.
The Red Devils ultimately walked away from further negotiations two weeks before the transfer deadline after learning of Arsenal’s firm stance on keeping the player.
United instead turned their attention to midfield reinforcements following Casemiro’s departure and a long-term injury suffered by Manu Ugarte.
The club moved quickly to revamp their engine room, bringing in Andrey Santos, Youri Tielemans, and Carlos Baleba, with Baleba’s £70m deal confirmed on August 18.
There were initial uncertainties around completing the Baleba transfer, which may have contributed to United’s early interest in Lewis-Skelly as a potential alternative option.
A move for Lewis-Skelly would have given United genuine positional flexibility, as Jamie Carragher has described the teenager as “spectacular” and capable of operating at left-back or in midfield.
The Athletic also notes that Arsenal could have been pressured into selling Lewis-Skelly following the arrival of Ezri Konsa, potentially using funds to pursue targets including Julian Alvarez.
With the January window approaching, it remains to be seen whether United will revive their interest or look elsewhere to address any remaining gaps in Carrick’s squad.