Arsenal are considering using Lewis-Skelly as part of a swap deal for Elliot Anderson.
Nottingham Forest are reportedly demanding £100–120 million for Elliot Anderson. Arsenal are considering including Myles Lewis-Skelly in a deal to lower the fee and include a buy-back clause, in order to strengthen their midfield.
Arsenal are considering including Myles Lewis-Skelly in talks to sign Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest, amid Forest's asking price of £100–120 million making the deal difficult to reach. This move aims to bolster midfield depth for Mikel Arteta's Premier League and Champions League ambitions.
Arsenal's context and the midfield depth problem.
Arsenal lead the Premier League and face a crucial run of matches, including the North London Derby and a Champions League clash against Bayern Munich. However, the 2-2 draw against Sunderland – a game in which Arsenal dropped points in the final minutes – exposed the reality that the squad still lacks depth in several positions. This is why the management is continuing to consider strengthening the squad as the winter transfer window approaches.
Elliot Anderson, the 23-year-old midfielder who is currently excelling for Nottingham Forest, has become a much-discussed target. His form has caught the eye of Thomas Tuchel, quickly earning him a place in the England squad, and attracting interest from Manchester United and Manchester City.
Price, swap options, and buyback terms
Nottingham Forest's asking price of £100–120 million could deter Arsenal. One suggested solution is to include Myles Lewis-Skelly – a young talent from the Hale End academy – in a deal to reduce the cost.
- Estimated valuation: Transfermarkt values Lewis-Skelly at €45 million (approximately £40 million).
- The proposed scenario is that Arsenal would offer around £60 million plus Lewis and Skelliy in exchange for Anderson.
- Key clause: Arsenal included a £50 million buyout clause.
This wasn't an easy choice, as Lewis-Skelly was once considered the gem of Hale End. However, the current context makes this option seem more logical.
Where does Lewis-Skelly fit into Arteta's plans?
Lewis-Skelly has been used very little this season, mainly because Riccardo Calafiori is playing consistently well. The most suitable position for the young player is midfield, but that area is occupied by Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi. His opportunities to showcase his talent are therefore limited.
Meanwhile, moving to Nottingham Forest, Lewis-Skelly could play in his preferred position or even be given a chance at left-back, where he could compete with Neco Williams. For Forest, this would be an option to add a versatile young talent who can contribute immediately.
Anderson and his potential impact on the title race.
Anderson is currently a key player for Nottingham Forest and is considered one of the brightest talents in the Premier League. If the transfer goes through, Arsenal will have another option in midfield – a crucial element as they enter a period of demanding fixtures requiring effective rotation.
Conversely, Anderson would have the opportunity to play at a higher level and compete for major titles. Nottingham Forest would acquire a promising player along with a suitable financial package, while Arsenal would retain control of Lewis-Skelly's future through a buy-back clause. This scenario is described as beneficial to all three parties, given the upcoming winter transfer window.