Everton to do due diligence on signing Myles Lewis-Skelly in summer amid surprise Arsenal twist
Myles Lewis-Skelly is edging closer to leaving Arsenal at the end of the season and is now attracting interest from Everton and rival Premier League clubs.
The 19-year-old was an unused substitute yet again as Mikel Arteta’s side drew 1-1 with Bayer Leverkusen, with Piero Hincapie starting in his place.
Having previously played more minutes in the Champions League than any other competition, losing his starting spot means playing time has become even harder to find.
Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Everton are prioritising the addition of a new left-back, and Lewis-Skelly is high on their list.
A number of other Premier League clubs are also keeping tabs on the England international, and with Arsenal stepping up their transfer plans, he is likely to be available.
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VISIT THE ARSENAL TRANSFER HUBEverton lead race to sign Myles Lewis-Skelly
Football Insider revealed on 8 March that Arsenal could accept offers for Lewis-Skelly and allow him to leave on loan in search of increased playing time.
His potential availability on a short-term deal is seen as an opportunity for a number of clubs, including long-term admirers Everton this summer.
“It’s a strange one with Lewis-Skelly,” Brown told Football Insider.
“He came into the Arsenal team with such a high profile, everybody was talking about him, he got into the England team and was held in very high regard.
“But for some reason, that’s all stopped this season and he’s almost disappeared.
“Whether that’s because Arteta feels he has better options now or whether there’s something we don’t know about behind the scenes, it’s not clear.
“One thing is for sure though, a lot of clubs will be interested in him and they’ll be trying to find out what the reasons are that he hasn’t been playing.
“Everton, for example, are looking for a new left-back as a priority, and if the opportunity comes up to sign an England international, they will go for it.
“They’ll be doing their due diligence as I said, working out if there are any deeper issues to why he’s not playing, but if he can’t get into the side then he’ll have to look elsewhere.
“Everton would be a good destination for him, I think, and for them it would mean they finally get a player in a position where they’re very light.”
How does Lewis-Skelly feel about leaving Arsenal?
With interest growing from a number of Premier League clubs, and no clear route into the Arsenal first-team, Lewis-Skelly may be forced out.
Hincapie has established himself as the first-choice left-back under Arteta, with Riccardo Calafiori seen as the first backup option, and no room for the 19-year-old.
As a result, Football Insider revealed on 6 March that Lewis-Skelly wants to leave Arsenal and has become frustrated with his lack of involvement this season.
Having started just one Premier League game so far this season, and with his Champions League spot now in question, he may be left with no choice.
Meanwhile, England boss Thomas Tuchel has told the teenager he must be playing regular football if he wants to represent his country.
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