Myles Lewis-Skelly causing 'tensions behind the scenes' at Arsenal
Arsenal have growing concerns about Myles Lewis-Skelly amid speculation linking him with moves to Premier League rivals.
The 19-year-old has again established himself as a key player in Mikel Arteta's side, but that has not stopped rumours about moves to the likes of Man United and Chelsea.
Arsenal's stance remains that they are keen to keep their star academy graduate at the Emirates, but question marks have been raised as a result of the speculation.
Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Lewis-Skelly's agent is talking up moves to other Premier League clubs, and that will not go down well at Arsenal.
Despite having signed a new deal at the Emirates last summer to extend his stay until 2030, the midfielder's camp already appear to be angling for a new deal.
Both Chelsea and Man United have been put on alert, however, and if talk of his availability does not die down, they could make moves to test Arsenal's resolve.
Could Arsenal cash in on Myles Lewis-Skelly?
Brown told Football Insider on 17 August that Arsenal have no plans to sell Lewis-Skelly, and Arteta sees him as a crucial part of his plans for the new season.
The midfielder has started Arsenal's last two games, in the Champions League final and the Community Shield, in a show of belief from the manager in his young star.
However, with speculation about his future refusing to die down, some begind the scenes at the Emirates are growing frustrated with the situation.
"The problem with Lewis-Skelly at the moment is, these rumours aren't going away," Brown told Football Insider.
"Normally with this type of thing, there's no smoke without fire, but Arsenal aren't trying to get rid of him, so that means the speculation must be coming from the player or his camp.
"That can be frustrating, when as a club you're looking to back and support a player, he's part of your plans, you're doing what you can do show that, and he keeps talking about moving on.
"Especially when he's being linked with some of their biggest rivals, even if it is agent talk or he's looking to land a new contract, it can raise tensions behind the scenes.
"From the manager's point of view, you think: 'If you want to keep talking about leaving us, then fine, you won't be in the side'.
"Whether or not Arteta decides to do that, we will see, but I've been in situations like this before at different clubs and it's a difficult situation to negotiate through."
Which clubs are interested in signing Lewis-Skelly?
Despite Arsenal's insistence that the player is not for sale this summer, rival clubs have reportedly been approached over the opportunity to sign the teenager.
Man United and Chelsea are those most heavily linked, with the two Premier League clubs having previously considered moves to sign the Arsenal star.
Football Insider reported on 12 August that Man United are currently the favourites to sign Lewis-Skelly, with odds on a move away from Arsenal having been slashed.
However, with the Red Devils now closing in on a deal to sign Carlos Baleba from Brighton, it is uncertain whether they will be prepared to make a move.
Chelsea could change their stance, having initially been expected not to explore a deal, as players are still expected to leave Stamford Bridge before the window closes.