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Arsenal to Man Utd Transfers: Complete List After Lewis-Skelly Links

Explore the complete list of Arsenal-to-Man Utd transfers, from Robin van Persie and Alexis Sánchez to recent academy moves and Lewis-Skelly links.

05.08.2026
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Arsenal to Man Utd Transfers

We are here with the Complete List of Arsenal to Man Utd Transfers. After the recent Myles Lewis-Skelly transfer links. Rumors of a potential Myles Lewis-Skelly move from Arsenal to Manchester United have sparked plenty of debate, with transfers between the two English giants remaining one of football's rarest occurrences.


According to The Independent, Manchester United are interested in signing the versatile Arsenal youngster during the current summer transfer window. The report claims there is a possibility Lewis-Skelly could be allowed to leave if Arsenal complete a move for Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimarães. Despite being described as "phenomenal" by Mikel Arteta, Lewis-Skelly has struggled to establish himself as an automatic starter, featuring both at left-back and in central midfield without making either role permanently his own.


If a deal were to happen, Lewis-Skelly would become the latest player to cross one of English football's fiercest rivalries. Here's a look at every notable Arsenal-to-Manchester United transfer involving first-team players, along with recent academy switches.


Arsenal Players Who Joined Manchester United  

8. Caesar Jenkyns (1896)

The first player to make the switch from Arsenal to Manchester United was Caesar Jenkyns, then playing for Woolwich Arsenal. Football looked very different in the late 19th century, with transfers between clubs becoming increasingly common as the professional game developed.


Jenkyns' move laid the foundation for what would become one of football's rarest transfer pathways.


7. David Herd (1961)

After impressing during his spell at Arsenal, David Herd joined Manchester United in 1961 and enjoyed far greater success at Old Trafford.


The Scottish striker became an important member of Matt Busby's legendary side, scoring consistently and helping United win multiple domestic trophies before lifting the European Cup in 1968.


6. Ian Ure (1969)

Scottish defender Ian Ure made the move to Manchester United in 1969 after several years with Arsenal.


Although highly regarded during his Arsenal days, injuries limited his impact at Old Trafford, and he was unable to replicate the same level of consistency he had previously shown in North London.


5. George Graham (1972)

Long before becoming Arsenal's iconic title-winning manager, George Graham was a player who crossed the divide.


The midfielder joined Manchester United in 1972 after winning the league and FA Cup with Arsenal. His stay at United was relatively brief, but he remains one of the few figures to represent both clubs before later returning to write his name into Arsenal folklore as manager.


4. Frank Stapleton (1981)

One of the most controversial transfers in English football during the early 1980s saw Frank Stapleton leave Arsenal for Manchester United.


The prolific striker scored over 100 goals for the Gunners before making the switch in 1981. At United, Stapleton remained a reliable goalscorer and helped the club win two FA Cups, cementing his place among the standout forwards of his generation.


3. Viv Anderson (1987)

England international Viv Anderson joined Manchester United in 1987 after a short spell with Arsenal.


Already one of English football's most respected defenders, Anderson brought invaluable experience to Sir Alex Ferguson's early rebuilding project and became an important member of the squad during the late 1980s.


2. Robin van Persie (2012)

Few transfers have generated as much controversy as Robin van Persie's move in 2012.


After captaining Arsenal and winning the Premier League Golden Boot, the Dutch striker joined Manchester United in pursuit of major honors. The gamble paid off immediately as Van Persie scored 30 goals in all competitions, won another Golden Boot, and fired United to the 2012-13 Premier League title in Sir Alex Ferguson's final season.


It remains one of the most impactful transfers between the clubs.


1. Alexis Sánchez (2018)

Alexis Sánchez completed a blockbuster swap deal with Henrikh Mkhitaryan in January 2018.


The Chilean had been one of Arsenal's biggest stars, but his move to Old Trafford failed to live up to expectations. Despite arriving with enormous hype, Sánchez struggled for consistency and eventually departed after an underwhelming spell with the Red Devils.


Arsenal Academy Players Who Joined Manchester United  

While first-team transfers have been rare, recent years have seen several academy prospects make the move from North London to Manchester.


Hubert Graczyk (2024)

Goalkeeper Hubert Graczyk left Arsenal's academy to join Manchester United in 2024, adding further quality to United's youth ranks.


Chido Obi-Martin (2024)

One of the most talked-about academy transfers in recent years, Chido Obi-Martin swapped Arsenal for Manchester United after earning a reputation as one of England's brightest young forwards.


His decision generated significant headlines due to his outstanding goalscoring record at the youth level.


Ayden Heaven (2025)

Defender Ayden Heaven also made the switch after progressing through Arsenal's academy.


The highly-rated youngster chose Old Trafford as the next step in his development, continuing the recent trend of talented youth players moving between the two rivals.


Will Myles Lewis-Skelly Become the Next Name?  

For now, Myles Lewis-Skelly remains an Arsenal player, and there has been no confirmation that a transfer will happen. However, the reported interest from Manchester United has reignited discussion about one of English football's most uncommon transfer routes.


Should the versatile England youth international eventually make the move, he would join an exclusive group featuring famous names such as Robin van Persie, Frank Stapleton and Alexis Sánchez, while also following the path recently taken by academy prospects Hubert Graczyk, Chido Obi-Martin and Ayden Heaven.


Whether Arsenal decide to keep hold of the talented youngster or allow him to leave could depend on how their squad develops during the remainder of the transfer window. Until then, supporters of both clubs will be watching closely to see whether Lewis-Skelly becomes the latest addition to this unique Arsenal-to-Manchester United transfer list.


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