Michael Carrick. (Getty)
Manchester United are expected to be one of the biggest spenders in the upcoming transfer window, as they plot their return to Champions League football.
The Red Devils have had a tumultuous time in recent years and have struggled to reassert their dominance both domestically and in Europe.
Interim boss Michael Carrick has been a breath of fresh air for the club since his arrival in January, and now United are firmly on track to qualify for a Champions League spot and finish inside the top four of the Premier League.
Uncertainty remains over whether Carrick will be appointed as the permanent manager at Old Trafford beyond the remainder of this season, but it is widely reported that the club have the intention to further reinvest in the squad this summer.
The biggest priority lies in the centre of the pitch, where their most consistent and reliable assets are either out of contract or not seen as part of the long-term future of the midfield.
As a result, Nottingham Forest star Elliott Anderson, Crystal Palace talent Adam Wharton and Brighton and Hove Albion’s Carlos Baleba have been heavily linked with a move to Manchester ahead of next season.
However, fresh reports suggest that their Premier League raid will extend further than the midfield as they look to improve their defensive presence too.
According to TEAMtalk, Man United are plotting a move for Arsenal full-back Myles Lewis-Skelly.
The Gunners academy talent enjoyed an outstanding breakout campaign last season, but has seen his game time significantly reduced, with Piero Hincapie and Riccardo Calafiori both competing for the left-back role.
The publication claims that his drop down the pecking order could facilitate the opportunity for a move away from Arsenal this summer, and Lewis-Skelly would be interested in leaving North London to boost his chances of playing for England.
Should Man United sign Myles Lewis-Skelly?
Besides the obvious elephant in the room regarding the managerial decision, there is a clear indication that Man United are tunnel-visioned on building the next chapter of success at Old Trafford.
Future-proofing the squad will be absolutely imperative if United are serious about being consistent and competitive with the likes of Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City to ultimately win trophies again.
Lewis-Skelly – once hailed as “special” by teammate Declan Rice – has been rarely seen in the Gunners’ title charge this season and was an unused substitute in their Carabao Cup final defeat at Wembley Stadium yesterday.
Man United are in desperate need of a reliable and quality successor to Luke Shaw, and with strengths in ball retention and an outstanding passing range, Lewis-Skelly is the ideal candidate to become the future of the left-back role for the Red Devils.
Arsenal have not put a price tag on their up-and-coming talent, so it will be interesting to see whether they put him in the shop window or instead wait for offers to come in.
With that being said, Man United have the opportunity to develop a potentially world-class talent in Lewis-Skelly if they can get a deal over the line, and if it pays off, he could be a hugely influential component in their quest for success.
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