Everton target Myles Lewis-Skelly open to leaving Arsenal, David Moyes will be pleased
Everton have been handed a boost in their pursuit of Arsenal defender Myles Lewis-Skelly.
David Moyes is believed to be determined to strengthen his backline at the end of the campaign, and an overhaul of the full-back positions is therefore on the cards.
Lewis-Skelly has been unable to secure regular minutes at the Emirates Stadium this season, and the Toffees, seemingly sensing an opportunity, are monitoring his situation closely.
That is according to TEAMtalk, who have also claimed that the left-back is open to moving on from Arsenal. While Everton's interest is no secret, his own stance was not known.
A busy transfer window is expected at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, and securing Lewis-Skelly nice and early would get the summer business off to a dream start.
What are Everton's chances of signing Myles Lewis-Skelly?
At least on paper, Moyes has a very good shot of landing his man.
However, it will be far from simple, judging by recent speculation. Indeed, TEAMtalk have also named Manchester United as admirers of the 19-year-old.
| Statistic | Mykolenko 25-26 | Lewis-Skelly 25-26 |
| Matches played | 29 | 27 |
| Minutes played | 2533 | 1322 |
| Goals | 0 | 0 |
| Assists | 1 | 4 |
| Dribbled past | 24 | 9 |
| Tackles | 39 | 14 |
| Crossing accuracy | 28.9% | 18.2% |
Brentford are circling too and have taken on a watching brief. It seems, then, that whoever can guarantee the defender the most game time will come out on top.
Keith Wyness, the former Toffees CEO, believes that Everton's Lewis-Skelly deal is one to keep an eye on, and he would surely be a superb addition to Moyes' squad.
Despite his current predicament, the young defender was widely viewed as one of England's brightest talents just 12 months ago and made his Three Lions breakthrough.
That made his slide out of Arsenal's starting XI all the more mind-boggling, but Everton can now look to capitalise on the uncertainty this summer with an attractive sales pitch.
How does this affect Vitalii Mykolenko?
The interest in Lewis-Skelly is unlikely to bode well for Vitalii Mykolenko.
The Ukraine international is expected to become a free agent when his deal runs down at the end of the season, with the 26-year-old yet to agree to a contract extension.
According to Forza Roma, that has put Serie A giants Roma on red alert. Intriguingly, the Italian outfit are also owned by The Friedkin Group, so the move would certainly make sense.
If Lewis-Skelly does arrive, there would be no room - or guaranteed minutes - for Mykolenko, which would make a mutual parting of the ways in the summer the best option.
Mykolenko may be a mainstay under Moyes, but a perfect replacement may have been found already.