Chelsea ‘Offered’ Shock Chance to Sign Arsenal Star as Xabi Alonso Eyes Stunning Double Raid
Chelsea could reportedly make a surprise move for another Arsenal player this summer, with manager Xabi Alonso continuing to reshape his squad.
The Blues have already expressed interest in Arsenal midfielder Martin Zubimendi, whom Alonso knows well from his time at Real Sociedad. However, reports now claim Chelsea have also been offered the opportunity to sign highly rated Gunners youngster Myles Lewis-Skelly.
According to reports, Arsenal could consider selling the 19-year-old if Chelsea make a sufficiently attractive offer. Manchester United are also believed to be monitoring the versatile England international as they search for additional options at left-back.
Lewis-Skelly, who came through Arsenal’s Hale End academy, can operate both as a left-back and in midfield. He has impressed since breaking into the first team and made 10 Champions League appearances last season.
The youngster has also featured prominently during pre-season, starting in midfield while several of Arsenal’s established players have been away following their World Cup commitments.
However, competition for places is expected to increase once those players return. Lewis-Skelly faces a crowded midfield picture involving Declan Rice, Martin Zubimendi, Mikel Merino and Bruno Guimaraes, while his chances at left-back could also be limited by Riccardo Calafiori and Piero Hincapie.
That situation could reportedly make Arsenal more willing to listen to offers for the academy graduate.
A move to Chelsea would nevertheless be a major development, given the historic rivalry between the two London clubs. Olivier Giroud was the most recent player to move directly from Arsenal to Chelsea, completing his transfer in 2018, while Ashley Cole made the controversial switch in 2006.
With Alonso having greater influence over Chelsea’s transfer strategy, the possibility of the Blues signing both Zubimendi and Lewis-Skelly could make for a fascinating summer transfer story.
