Man Utd chase £60m Baleba while Lewis‑Skelly targets midfield gap

Manchester United are targeting Arsenal teenager Myles Lewis‑Skelly as Michael Carrick seeks to plug a midfield gap after the side finished in the Champions League places last term, a move that could boost the squad ahead of the new season.

The story was broken by Jake Bayliss, Senior Sports Writer, at Writer04:30 on Aug 20, 2026, and was illustrated with View 2 ImagesManchester and a Lewis‑Skelly(Image by Alex Pantling – FA/The FA via Getty Images). The report also referenced the FA and additional Images that accompanied the announcement.

Carrick’s plan already includes the arrivals of Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos, who have settled at Old Trafford as part of a broader midfield rebuild. The duo adds depth, but United remain keen on a third engine‑room addition to strengthen the midfield after last season’s Champions League finish.

Midfield rebuild intensifies

United have reignited interest in Brighton star Carlos Baleba, submitting an initial £60million offer with a possible £5m in add‑ons. The Cameroon international is currently recovering from an ankle ligament injury, but talks are ongoing at Old Trafford in Trafford as the club pushes to finalise the deal.

Arsenal’s Lewis‑Skelly option

Arsenal CEO Richard Garlick said, “There’s been a lot of speculation around players… We are not actively looking at selling those homegrown players but if the right opportunity came up – right for them and the club – we’d obviously consider that.” He noted the 19‑year‑old can operate at left‑back or midfield and has had a fantastic end to last season.

United must also weigh interest from Chelsea, while the teenager’s future hinges on Arsenal’s willingness to negotiate. Carrick’s side hopes to finalise the Baleba signing and add Lewis‑Skelly before the deadline, but the ankle issue and price expectations remain hurdles for the deal.

If United close the £60m Baleba deal and secure Lewis‑Skelly, the midfield could be reshaped ahead of the campaign, giving Carrick a stronger platform to build on after last season’s Champions League finish. OUR MAN UTD will then have a deeper squad, and Lewis’s versatility could prove vital for Manchester United’s ambitions.