Arsenal make Myles Lewis-Skelly 'transfer U-turn'

Arsenal have changed their minds on selling Myles Lewis-Skelly this summer, sources have told Football Insider.

The Gunners have placed an emphasis on attempting to sell players to raise funds, alongside spending big to improve their squad, following last season's Premier League success.

The 19-year-old was among a number of options Arsenal considered selling, leading to ongoing links with moves to the likes of Man United and Chelsea.

However, as I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider's Transfer Insider podcast, Mikel Arteta does not want to let Lewis-Skelly leave late in the summer window.

Sources say Arsenal had considered the midfielder's sale, but have now gone back on the decision, as he is viewed as an important part of their long-term future.

Lewis-Skelly has started the first two games of the new season, as well as last season's Champions League final, and Arteta views him as a key asset in his squad.

How do Arsenal feel about selling Myles Lewis-Skelly?

Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Arteta has been clear with Lewis-Skelly that he is part of his plans for the upcoming season.

That is despite ongoing speculation about his future at Arsenal, which was kickstarted by the Gunners refusing to rule out his departure earlier in the summer window.

Now, though, the midfielder is not expected to leave the Emirates and his suitors will be left disappointed should they opt to make late moves.

Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: "Arsenal were thinking about cashing in on Myles Lewis-Skelly earlier in the transfer window.

"It would have been pure profit for them, which was tempting, but Lewis-Skelly has become a key part of Mikel Arteta's plans.

"Even this early in the season, he was very impressive against Man City in the Community Shield, and again against Coventry on the opening day of the season as well.

"I don't think Arsenal have any immediate plans to let Lewis-Skelly go, and I'm sure Mikel Arteta wants to keep him as well because of the way he has played in recent games."

Could clubs make a late move for Lewis-Skelly?

Arsenal's original consideration of offers for Lewis-Skelly has led clubs across English football to keep tabs on his situation in case he does become available.

Man United and Chelsea are the most high-profile of his suitors, with both clubs having considered moves in recent weeks as they aim to strengthen their squads.

However, Brown told Football Insider that regarless of any interest fom Man United and Chelsea, Lewis-Skelly is likely to remain an Arsenal player beyond the transfer deadline.

Neither club would be willing to match Arsenal's asking price if he was made available, while plans are now being put in place to keep him at the Emirates.

As a result, his suitors will be forced to look elsehwere in the closing stages of the summer transfer window, with other targets already in mind.