Arsenal consider using Lewis-Skelly in exchange for Elliot Anderson

Arsenal are considering including Myles Lewis-Skelly in talks to sign Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest, with Forest's £100-120m asking price making the deal unaffordable. The move is aimed at bolstering midfield depth for Mikel Arteta's Premier League and Champions League ambitions.

Arsenal's background and the problem of midfield depth

Arsenal are top of the Premier League and have a crucial run of fixtures ahead, including the North London Derby and a Champions League clash with Bayern Munich. However, a 2-2 draw with Sunderland – a game in which Arsenal let the win slip away in the final minutes – exposed a lack of depth in some areas of the squad, which is why the board are continuing to look at adding to their squad as the winter transfer window opens.

Elliot Anderson, a 23-year-old midfielder who has exploded for Nottingham Forest, has become a much-talked-about target. His form has caught the eye of Thomas Tuchel and he has quickly earned a place in the England squad, while also attracting the interest of Manchester United and Manchester City.

Price, exchange options and repurchase terms

Nottingham Forest's £100–120 million asking price could deter Arsenal, with one suggested option being to include Hale End academy talent Myles Lewis-Skelly in the deal to reduce the cost.

• Reference valuation: Transfermarkt values ​​Lewis-Skelly at 45 million euros (nearly 40 million pounds).
• The scenario is set: Arsenal pay around £60m plus Lewis-Skelly in exchange for Anderson.
• Key clause: Arsenal have a £50m buy-back clause.

It was not an easy choice, as Lewis-Skelly was once considered a gem at Hale End, but the current circumstances make it more reasonable.

Where does Lewis-Skelly fit into Arteta's plans?

Lewis-Skelly has barely featured this season, largely because Riccardo Calafiori has been consistent. The youngster’s best position is midfield, but that area is currently occupied by Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi, so his opportunities are limited.

Meanwhile, at Nottingham Forest, Lewis-Skelly could be deployed in his preferred position or even at left-back, where he could compete with Neco Williams. For Forest, this would be an option to add a versatile young talent who could contribute immediately.

Anderson and the potential impact on the title race

Anderson is currently a mainstay at Nottingham Forest and is considered one of the brightest talents in the Premier League. If the deal goes through, Arsenal will have more options in midfield – a key factor when entering a period of dense schedule and requiring effective rotation.

On the other hand, Anderson gets the chance to play at a higher level and compete for major trophies. Nottingham Forest get a promising player and a suitable financial package, while Arsenal retain control of Lewis-Skelly's future through a buy-back clause. It's a scenario that has been described as a win-win for all three parties, with the winter window about to open.