Chelsea and Manchester United Reject Arsenal's £45m Offer for Myles Lewis-Skelly
Arsenal have made waves in the transfer market by putting their academy star Myles Lewis-Skelly on the table for both Chelsea and Manchester United. The north London club, seeking to balance their books after significant midfield investments, reportedly pitched a £45 million offer for the versatile 19-year-old to these Premier League competitors. But the reaction from Chelsea and United was unexpected.
Premier League Rivals Decline the Offer
The decision by Arsenal to approach direct rivals with a young talent like Lewis-Skelly caught many off guard. Sources indicate that intermediaries contacted Chelsea and Manchester United to discuss a potential deal around £45m. Yet, according to The Telegraph, Chelsea declined the chance, focusing instead on signing Pep Chavarria from Rayo Vallecano. Manchester United also reportedly rejected the offer outright.
Arteta Praises Lewis-Skelly’s Growth
Mikel Arteta has been an outspoken supporter of Lewis-Skelly’s progress within the Arsenal setup. After last season, Arteta highlighted the player's character and development:
"I’ve been tough on him. He had a spectacular season last year when he jumped into the first team. He faced some tough moments afterward but stayed humble, focused, and aligned with our goals. I knew he was ready. He’s shown daily in training why he deserves his opportunities and today he really stepped up with an incredible performance."
Lewis-Skelly Focused on Staying at Arsenal
Amid talk of transfers, Lewis-Skelly remains committed to Arsenal’s cause. Reports from The Athletic reveal that he is not currently interested in moving and aims to establish himself firmly in the starting lineup under Arteta’s guidance. The Hale End graduate has shared his ambitions openly, revealing a mature outlook that impresses coaches throughout the league.
"I want a legacy. I want to win everything there is to win in the game. I want trophies on the biggest stages and to stay grounded while always learning," Lewis-Skelly said previously.
Why United and Chelsea Passed on the Young Talent
Manchester United’s refusal to engage in the deal comes down to recruitment priorities set by Michael Carrick. The Red Devils are seeking a left-sided defender to cover concerns over Luke Shaw’s fitness and are concentrating efforts on Newcastle’s Lewis Hall instead.
Chelsea is undergoing its own squad restructuring, aiming for a balance of experience and youth. Their interest in Pep Chavarria suggests they preferred a different profile to strengthen their defense, even though a promising English youngster like Lewis-Skelly would normally fit their pattern.
