Lewis-Skelly: Perfect answer to Man Utd's problem position as Arsenal 'to consider' offers

Arsenal are "ready to consider" offers for Manchester United target Myles Lewis-Skelly who would be the perfect addition with his versatility and ability to play in a problem position.

The 19-year-old has emerged as a potential target for United and Chelsea, with Arsenal believed to value their academy graduate at around £45million.

Arsenal have given out mixed messages about the future of the youngster but in a latest interview CEO Richard Garlick said the club was willing to listen to offers.

For United, his availability would be particularly interesting given their ongoing search for a new left-back and Lewis-Skelly's ability to also play in midfield.

Luke Shaw is United's first choice left-back and while he is a player with proven ability he is injury prone and there is no alternative that can offer guarantees.

Currently the club is also considering what to do with youth product Harry Amass but in the worst case scenario that Shaw got injured, it would be a lot to expect him to slot in with matches both in the Premier League and in Europe over the next season.

Arsenal CEO Richard Garlick appears to have opened the door to a transfer in a recent interview.

"We obviously believe in our academy and have been very successful with the players that have come through that academy, Myles and Ethan (Nwaneri) being two of those," he told the BBC.

"Everybody loves to see those homegrown players coming through and pulling on the shirt and contributing to the success of the team.

"It’s not something that we aim to just sell only homegrown players, as I say trading players is something that comes up all the time. There’s been a lot of speculation surrounding players. I can’t stop other clubs being interested in our players.

"I think Myles has had a fantastic end to last season and he’s started this season really well and we are very very happy with him.

"Ethan’s had a great pre-season as well and it’s just a case of looking at what opportunities there are that will help both of those players in terms of their careers moving forwards but we are not actively looking at selling those homegrown players.

"If the right opportunity came up and it was right for them and it was right for the club then we’d obviously consider that."

The biggest attraction is his versatility. Lewis-Skelly was developed as a midfielder at Arsenal but has established himself as a left-back, while continuing to display many of the qualities of a central player.

He is comfortable receiving the ball under pressure, carrying possession forward and stepping into midfield from the full-back position.

Lewis-Skelly is physically strong and technically good on the ball meaning that as well as providing defensive cover he is able to get forward and deliver killer passes.

He is adapt at getting down the wings, providing width, and opening up defences.

In many ways it would be the role that United were hoping for with Patrick Dorgu but the former Lecce player is not comfortable in a deeper role and gets caught out defensively.

Lewis-Skelly could push forward when United have possession, move centrally to create an extra midfielder or remain wider and provide an outlet on the left.

Importantly, he already has Premier League experience, he has already established himself at Arsenal and broken into the England setup.

Lewis-Skelly fits the recruitment model United have increasingly adopted since INEOS took control of football operations.

The club have focused heavily on younger players with significant potential, while looking for individuals who can increase in value over the course of their careers.

At just 19, Lewis-Skelly fits that profile perfectly. He would also join United with considerable experience already under his belt.

That is a major attraction compared with signing another teenage prospect and waiting several years to see whether they can make the transition to senior football.

And for Lewis-Skelly he has a clear pathway to playing regularly in the United first team which may not be the case at Arsenal.

United have already signed former Arsenal academy defender Ayden Heaven, who has impressed since moving to Old Trafford. Lewis-Skelly would be another Hale End graduate making the journey north.