Chelsea have reportedly made a new enquiry for Myles Lewis-Skelly after previously being linked with a move for the Arsenal youngster.
The Blues have maintained a long-term interest in the 19-year-old and have now checked on his availability following Arsenal’s £75m signing of Bruno Guimaraes from Newcastle United.
This comes after The Telegraph reported that both Chelsea and Manchester United had previously turned down the opportunity to sign Lewis-Skelly for around £45m.
However, Chelsea’s latest enquiry suggests the situation surrounding the Arsenal academy graduate could be more complicated than initially expected.
Arsenal are reportedly reluctant to sell Lewis-Skelly to a local Premier League rival, particularly a club they could be competing with for the top positions this season.
Arteta responds to Lewis-Skelly speculation
Lewis-Skelly has been at the centre of further speculation after scoring during Arsenal’s pre-season clash with Como.
The teenager celebrated emotionally in front of the Arsenal supporters, but Mikel Arteta refused to read too much into his reaction.
“It’s good to score a goal, you should be emotional when you score a goal,” said Arteta of the celebration.
“He’s a very emotional player. I remember when he did all the gestures on the pitch [last season]. I’m not going to talk about any speculation.
“If there is a speculation about our player, it’s a good sign. That means that we attract attention and they’re doing a good job.”
Arteta’s comments come as Lewis-Skelly’s future continues to be questioned following the arrival of Guimaraes.
The Brazilian’s signing has increased competition for places in midfield, with Arsenal now having Declan Rice, Martin Zubimendi, Mikel Merino, Guimaraes and Lewis-Skelly competing for minutes.
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Lewis-Skelly impresses during pre-season
Despite the transfer speculation, Lewis-Skelly has enjoyed a positive pre-season with Arsenal.
The England international has been used more regularly as a central midfielder, having previously established himself as a left-back under Arteta.
“I think he had a really good pre-season. I think we asked him to play in a different position, because he played more as a six, because we lacked central midfielders, obviously with international duties, and I think he had a really consistent pre-season.”
Lewis-Skelly has already shown his versatility for Arsenal, having played at both left-back and in midfield.
While Chelsea have now made another enquiry, Arsenal’s stance could make a potential move difficult.
For now, Lewis-Skelly remains an Arsenal player, with Arteta seemingly happy with the youngster’s progress ahead of the new season.
