Carragher questions Arsenal claims over Lewis-Skelly transfer future

Jamie Carragher has questioned claims that Arsenal were prepared to sell Myles Lewis-Skelly, one of England’s most promising young players. The speculation has linked the academy graduate with Manchester United and Chelsea, while suggesting Arsenal could make him available as part of their efforts to strengthen the squad.

Speaking on The Overlap Fan Debate, the former Liverpool defender said the reports were difficult to understand because they appeared to indicate that Arsenal, rather than the player, had opened the door to a transfer. He said the situation would have been less surprising if Lewis-Skelly had made clear that he wanted to leave.

Carragher’s main concern was the suggestion that Arsenal might be willing to give up a player who has already shown his value at senior level. Lewis-Skelly came through the club’s academy and made his first-team breakthrough under Mikel Arteta.

The teenager is naturally a defender but has also operated in midfield. His displays in that role, particularly towards the end of last season, strengthened the view that he can contribute in more than one position.

Carragher argued that those performances should encourage Arsenal to continue developing Lewis-Skelly instead of considering his departure. In his assessment, the youngster’s ability to perform at that level so early in his career is evidence of unusual quality, even though his progress has included difficult periods.

The former England international also acknowledged that Lewis-Skelly did not play as often as he would have wanted last season. However, he viewed that reduced involvement as part of the ups and downs experienced by young players, rather than a reason for Arsenal to make him available.