Real Madrid interested in Lewis-Skelly free transfer next summer with Arsenal star’s contract talks ‘not going well’
MYLES LEWIS-SKELLY is being eyed for a stunning transfer by Real Madrid, according to reports.
The youngster has enjoyed a breakthrough campaign under Mikel Arteta at the Emirates, playing 39 games for the Gunners and chipping in with one goal and three assists.
However, having signed his first professional contract in October 2023, the 18-year-old could already be set to move away from north London and end a decade-long association with the club.
That’s because with just one year left on his contract, Real Madrid are now “sniffing around” the situation as they possibly eye another free transfer for an English star.
According to The Guardian, negotiations between the player and Arsenal over new terms are “not going well.”
And this has left Spanish giants Real on red alert to sign the England international full-back.
The La Liga club have already landed Liverpool‘s own English international full-back in Trent Alexander-Arnold, with a £10million fee agreed to allow him to play at the Club World Cup next month.
Combined with Jude Bellingham already at the club, it means Xabi Alonso‘s new-look Madrid team could feature as many as three English stars at the Bernabeu.
But ultimately, the player’s future could depend on where he is seen as playing long-term.
Lewis-Skelly played as a midfielder during his days in the Hale End Academy, but has primarily starred as a left-back – often inverting – since breaking into the Arsenal first-team.
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However, Arteta has hinted at a possible switch into midfield from next season for the teenager.
He said: “He is very intelligent, very willing and very physical. If you have those three ingredients and you have a personality that can go through blips — it can happen — that is Myles. That is what he has done.
“He can do as a 6 and an an 8. It will depend a lot on the relationships and the chemistry with other players, how this evolves within the team.
“And football, which direction it goes , what demands of certain positions as well. He is certainly a player that can play a in lots of positions.”
Lewis-Skelly was selected in Thomas Tuchel‘s latest England squad.
Tuchel deployed him as a full-back in his last two Three Lions’ appearances, World Cup qualification clashes against Albania and Latvia in March, the first of which Lewis-Skelly scored in.
Losing him to Los Blancos, who have also been long-term admirers of William Saliba, would be a bitter blow to the Gunners long-term transfer plans.
Arsenal are also in negotiations with fellow starlet Ethan Nwaneri.
In terms of incomings this summer, Arsenal have submitted an offer to land Sporting Lisbon star Viktor Gyokeres but have been joined in the pursuit by Chelsea.
However, the Blues being boosted after news emerged that Liam Delap wants to join them may give the Gunners a clear shot at the former Coventry ace.
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