Man Utd exploring transfer for Arsenal star in most unexpected move of the summer

Manchester United are prepared to test Arsenal's resolve for one of their most-loved players in the summer transfer window.

United have added Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans to their midfield so far, following Casemiro's departure and Manuel Ugarte's knee injury at the World Cup.

Bolstering the midfield has been Michael Carrick's main priority since Casemiro announced he wouldn't be renewing his contract in January. Much has been made of their pursuit of an elusive third midfielder, with a lucrative move for Aurelien Tchouameni not totally off the table. Tyler Adams and Alex Scott also remain of interest, although a move for the latter is likely proving to be too expensive for United's taste.

In addition to midfield, United's left side also requires significant attention. Matheus Cunha met expectations in his first season at United, with Patrick Dorgu shifting to a left-wing role in the second half of the campaign to great success.

Luke Shaw featured in every Premier League game, which is the first time he's achieved that feat in his career. The demands of Champions League football mean Shaw will likely need to manage his body in 26/27.

The Red Devils have been linked with Newcastle United full-back Lewis Hall in recent weeks. Eddie Howe's exit on Thursday has seen the club contemplate testing the Magpies' resolve. Newcastle have already lost Anthony Gordon and Sandro Tonali to Barcelona and Tottenham Hotspur, respectively, while Bruno Guimaraes remains of interest to Arsenal.

Per The Independent, United know a deal for Hall is complicated. That means Myles Lewis-Skelly is being explored as a potential option, with investigations into a transfer already underway.

Lewis-Skelly found himself out of the Gunners team for most of last term, although a late-season revival saw the 19-year-old start the Champions League final in midfield. United are long-term admirers of Lewis-Skelly, who can play at left-back or in the middle of the park.

Arsenal's interest in Guimaraes and Real Madrid superstar Vinicius Jr. likely means they'll have to sell to balance the books, with Lewis-Skelly representing pure profit as an academy graduate.

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Carrick knows he'll have to use a much bigger squad

United ran out 2-1 winners over Atletico Madrid on Saturday thanks to two goals from Bryan Mbeumo.

Several youngsters were given an opportunity, including Shea Lacey, who won the penalty for Mbeumo's equaliser after Atletico went ahead. 15-year-old JJ Gabriel also made his debut.

Carrick was asked about United's preparations ahead of their opener against Hull City on August 22.

"I think collectively we look strong as a team, which is always the most important thing. Pretty much throughout the team, I think there were really good performances," Carrick said.

"And again, seeing the young players coming on and having an impact, and Jimmy [Thwaites] and JJ coming on at the end, they are two younger players, again, [who get] their first kind of taste for it, for us, so it's great for us to be in a position for me to give them opportunities to the boys. And then on top of that, touch wood, no injuries."