Arsenal to learn from Liverpool transfer mistake as Arteta shows quick thinking

Arsenal are desperate to keep one of their brightest stars away from Real Madrid this summer with Mikel Arteta leading a personal charge to convince him to stay at the Emirates

Arsenal are attempting to succeed where Premier League champions Liverpool have failed - keep one of their stars away from Real Madrid. The Spanish giants have already been on a major recruitment drive this summer.

They have moved for Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold at the end of his deal and despite his switch being for free, Real have stumped up a multi-million pound fee to secure his services before this summer’s Club World Cup. Meanwhile, they have also moved for Bournemouth star Dean Huijsen.

A third Premier League defender now reportedly features on their summer shortlist: Myles Lewis-Skelly. It has been reported that chiefs at the Spanish club are keen to take advantage of uncertainty over his future with a move - Lewis-Skelly having just one year remaining on his current deal in North London.

Arsenal though appear to be in no mood to sell - or even entertain the thought of external interest. The Gunners are already keen to tie Lewis-Skelly, 18, down to a new long-term deal according to the Daily Mail.

Not only would that keep him at the club, it would also avoid an extremely messy and drawn-out saga - the likes of which seeing Alexander-Arnold eventually formalising his move to the Bernabeu.

Lewis-Skelly is expected to agree a new deal before the start of next season in what would represent another significant chapter in his Arsenal career. The teenager made 39 appearances for Arsenal last season across what was a standout breakout season, scoring once. He was also rewarded with his England debut, while having also scored for the Three Lions.

Speaking about his affection for Arsenal recently, Lewis Skelly said: “For me personally, I’m a fan of the club so you’re watching it on TV, going to the games and in your mind you always wanna get to where they’re at. You’re just playing, you’re just enjoying it and see where it takes you.”

Meanwhile, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta remains a big fan. Speaking earlier this season, he said: “That’s what we love about him. He’s very aggressive. Before that he had another action where he made the right choice, he went for it.

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“He never (looks nervous), he’s so composed, calm and confident in his ability. At 17, scoring a really important goal in the Champions League is not very common.”

Away from Lewis-Skelly’s new deal, Arsenal are also attempting to add new faces to their squad to reduce the gap to Liverpool. Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi looks set to become their first signing of the summer and could potentially be joined by RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko.