Real Madrid are keeping an eye on Myles Lewis-Skelly amid concern that Arsenal contract extension talks aren’t going as planned, according to a report.
Speaking to The Guardian’s Football Weekly podcast, journalist Jonathan Wilson reported that there may be a growing issue for Arsenal with regards to young prospect Myles Lewis-Skelly.
“They’ve got to sort out Myles Lewis-Skelly’s contract, which expires next summer,” Wilson explained. “I think talks have not been going well, from what I hear, and Real Madrid are sort of sniffing around there.”
That would certainly be a shock, with all previous reports suggesting Lewis-Skelly’s contract negotiations were on track. Fabrizio Romano reported last month that talks were underway, and a new deal was considered just a matter of time.
Romano added that sporting director Andrea Berta would lead the extension process, with both Arsenal and Lewis-Skelly very happy working together.
The report also mentioned that Mikel Arteta considers Lewis-Skelly a key piece of his team for the future.
Perhaps things have changed over the last month, but this is the first suggestion to that effect. There haven’t been any previous reports of a breakdown in talks, and certainly nothing has changed on the pitch.
Lewis-Skelly continued to play a regular starting role in the final games of the season, only dropping out of the lineup for the very last match, with Champions League football secured and various players needing a send-off.
Interest from Real Madrid would be a concern, but it would be strange for the teenager to make that move so soon after his breakthrough. Especially when he’s already at a top club where he’s valued.