Former Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere has advised Myles Lewis-Skelly to 'fight' for his spot at the club as Manchester United reportedly prepare a transfer bid for the young defender.
Lewis-Skelly burst onto the scene two years ago, going on to establish himself as a genuine first-team star across a magnificent debut season with his boyhood team. However, last season proved a much trickier experience for the versatile 19-year-old, with Riccardo Calafiori nailing down his place as Mikel Arteta's first-choice left-back.
There was a resurgence from Lewis-Skelly towards the end of the campaign, though, as the teenager helped the Gunners clinch a first Premier League title in 22 years. He also became the second-youngest Englishman to start a Champions League final in May, but was on the losing team on this occasion as Paris Saint-Germain prevailed over Arteta's men on penalties.
Wilshere, who worked closely with Lewis-Skelly while in charge of Arsenal's Under-18s, would be saddened to see the Hale End academy product up sticks and leave for a Premier League rival. 'Last year was interesting to watch for Myles because I think he probably never experienced that,' Wilshere said. 'All the way through the academy, him and Ethan Nwaneri were probably always the best players in their age group.'
Wilshere praised Lewis-Skelly's character and personality, stating that he has never let his ability define him. 'When I'd watch on the TV, it would sometimes go to Myles on the bench and he would still cheer every moment. He's a character who wants to feel love and he gives a lot of love as well.'
Wilshere believes that Lewis-Skelly is good enough to find his way in the team and has urged him to stay and fight for his spot. 'I'd like to see him stay and fight for it because I believe he's good enough to find his way in that team. I believe he can do that.'
Arsenal kicked off their busy pre-season schedule with a comprehensive 3-0 win over MK Dons and are currently preparing to face off against Real Betis in Dublin. The north London giants will then return home to the Emirates for a double-header versus Borussia Dortmund and Como before their Community Shield showdown with Manchester City on August 16.
