This has a substantial knock-on effect for Lewis-Skelly, in addition to Martin Zubimendi and Christian Norgaard. The Englishman broke into the Arsenal team during the run-in as a central midfielder, forcing Zubimendi to the bench after a strong campaign. But Guimaraes’ arrival could see Lewis-Skelly consider his own future.

Lewis-Skelly had previously attracted interest from United, and Michael Carrick’s side could revisit a potential deal this summer, according to The Independent.

The Premier League champions would ideally retain Lewis-Skelly, however, should Arsenal complete high-profile signings for Guimaraes and Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior, that considerable expenditure would leave the club needing to balance their finances carefully.

Arsenal are unlikely to actively pursue a sale of Lewis-Skelly, with players such as Reiss Nelson, Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli considered more probable candidates for departure. Norgaard already appears set to complete a switch to Everton.

Lewis-Skelly would provide Carrick with a flexible option to strengthen two positions United are seeking to bolster. The club remain in pursuit of a third midfielder following the arrivals of Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans, and would welcome greater cover at full-back with only Luke Shaw available on the left.

In May, Lewis-Skelly declined to discuss his Arsenal future while concentrating on helping Arsenal secure silverware. The 19-year-old revealed how he blocked out distractions when he was finding it difficult to gain minutes last season.

“It was tough initially,” he said. “But, for me, I pride myself on having mental strength. Sport is not one pathway, because there are ups and downs. And it’s how you bounce back from that, and how you are in those moments when you face adversity. That is what defines you.

“I spoke with my family and friends. I just told them: ‘I don’t want to hear all the noise that is coming from social media. Let me stay in this moment, let me continue to face this adversity and let me come out the other side of it’.

“For me, it is just always being prepared, always feeling like I prepare as a starter – because you never know when your time will come. Luckily enough for me, it came against Fulham. I feel like I took my opportunity and just helped the team out as much as I can.”