Headline: Myles Lewis-Skelly’s Future at Arsenal Remains Uncertain Amid Transfer Talk
Myles Lewis-Skelly is becoming a major topic of discussion as the new season approaches.
The 19-year-old’s long-term position at Arsenal has been under scrutiny since he fell behind Riccardo Calafiori and Piero Hincapie as the club’s third choice left-back last season.
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During his breakout season in 2024-25, he emerged as one of the top young full-backs in the Premier League, earning a spot in the England youth squad and making history as the youngest player to score on his debut for the national team.
In recognition of his potential, the academy graduate received a new five-year contract the following summer. However, last season proved to be more challenging.
In April, Arsenal considered offers for Lewis-Skelly, with club sources indicating they would look to recover at least £100 million for both Lewis-Skelly and fellow player Ethan Nwaneri.
Yet, his impressive end-of-season performance in his preferred role as a central midfielder may have prompted a reassessment of his situation in the current transfer window.
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Lewis-Skelly has shown remarkable form during pre-season, starting in the last two friendlies as Arsenal gears up for the Community Shield match against Manchester City on Sunday.
With several midfield players returning late from the World Cup, and new signing Bruno Guimaraes still acclimatizing to his new environment, Lewis-Skelly could still have a chance to become a regular starter for the Gunners.
Recent news headlines have hinted at potential interest in Lewis-Skelly from two Premier League clubs.
One source informed BBC Sport that Lewis-Skelly was offered to Manchester United in January, although Arsenal denies having actively offered him to any clubs.
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Manchester United does seek a left-back, as their latest signing in that position, Patrick Dorgu, has predominantly played in an advanced role during pre-season.
Dorgu faced injuries after Michael Carrick took over but played all his Premier League minutes under Carrick as a winger or in an attacking role.
While Luke Shaw played every Premier League match last season, his fitness remains a concern.
United has also been linked with a potential transfer for Newcastle’s Lewis Hall but acknowledges it could be difficult to secure him, especially following the departures of Sandro Tonali and Guimaraes.
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If United were to acquire Lewis-Skelly, there may be an opportunity for him to fill a third midfield position still under discussion. However, they appear to be prioritizing the addition of another natural full-back for consistent competition.
Chelsea has also claimed they have been made aware of the chance to sign Lewis-Skelly, but Arsenal insists they have not approached any other teams regarding him.
Chelsea currently features two left-backs, Jorrel Hato and new signing Pep Chavarria, and with no European fixtures this season, they are unlikely to pursue a third left-back.
Additionally, Chelsea has six central midfielders, although potential departures—such as Enzo Fernandez and Dario Essugo on loan—could alter that dynamic.
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This makes it improbable that Chelsea would seek to acquire Lewis-Skelly without significant player sales.
Lewis-Skelly’s Intentions
Lewis-Skelly has expressed a desire to remain at Arsenal and is dedicated to establishing himself as a first-team regular.
His position at Arsenal remains at risk following the signing of Guimaraes for £75 million from Newcastle United, but there is still the opportunity for Lewis-Skelly to gain valuable playing time, especially with a busy match schedule ahead.
Nevertheless, Arsenal is planning to offload some squad members before the transfer deadline.
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Both Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli are available for the right offer, while Fabio Vieira and Reiss Nelson are not in Mikel Arteta’s future plans.
Last summer, Arsenal made significant investments by acquiring eight players for £250 million and have already spent over £100 million this window while looking to make additional signings before the deadline.
The club recently transferred Christian Norgaard to Everton for £7 million and Leandro Trossard to Besiktas for approximately £15 million. They are aware of the need to remain adaptable in the market as the transfer window approaches its close.
If Lewis-Skelly is sold, as an academy graduate, he would represent ‘pure profit’ on the club’s financial books.
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This fact is not lost on Lewis-Skelly, who recently captioned a photo with the Premier League trophy “pure profit” when Arsenal celebrated their title win at Selhurst Park on the season’s final day.
The implications of a potential sale have changed with the new Squad Cost Ratio (SCR) rules, which ensure that any sale of a player will be amortized over the length of their contract, limiting immediate financial benefits from selling an academy player.
At present, a transfer for Lewis-Skelly does not appear to be on the immediate horizon, but his future at Arsenal remains uncertain.
Myles Lewis-Skelly is already a hot topic and the season isn’t officially under way.
The 19-year-old’s long-term future at Arsenal has been debated since he slipped down the pecking order last season – behind Riccardo Calafiori and Piero Hincapie – as Arsenal’s third choice left-back.
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In his breakthrough season in 2024-25, he quickly developed into one of the best young full-backs in the Premier League, which led to him earning a place in the England squad and becoming the youngest man to score on his Three Lions debut.
The following summer, the academy graduate was rewarded with a new five-year contract. But last season was more difficult.
Arsenal had considered listening to offers for Lewis-Skelly, with club sources indicating in April they would look to recoup a minimum combined £100m for Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri.
But his excellent end-of-season resurgence, in his natural position of centre midfield, may have sparked a rethink over his status during this transfer window.
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Lewis-Skelly has been one of the standout performers during pre-season and has started the past two friendlies as the Gunners prepare for the Community Shield against Manchester City on Sunday.
With a number of midfielders returning late from the World Cup, and new signing Bruno Guimaraes still getting used to his new surroundings, Lewis-Skelly could still make another go at becoming a first team regular for the Gunners.
On Tuesday, news headlines suggested Lewis-Skelly could be on the move with two Premier League clubs reportedly interested.
One source told BBC Sport that Lewis-Skelly was offered to Manchester United in January, but Arsenal say they have not actively offered him to anyone.
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Manchester United do need a left-back though, with their most recent signing in the position, Patrick Dorgu, playing in an advanced role throughout this pre-season.
Dorgu was mostly injured after Michael Carrick took charge but all of his Premier League appearances under the United boss were on the wing or in a wide attacking role.
Luke Shaw started every Premier League game last season but his overall fitness record is patchy.
United have been linked with a move for Newcastle’s Lewis Hall, but accept it would be difficult to sign him, particularly after the departures of Sandro Tonali and Guimaraes from the club.
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If they did sign Lewis-Skelly there is also the option that he could fill the third midfielder position there is still debate over, but the feeling is that United want another natural full-back to challenge for a starting role.
Like United, Chelsea also say they have been offered the chance to sign Lewis-Skelly but Arsenal maintain they have not offered the player to any other team.
Chelsea have two left-backs already in Jorrel Hato and new signing Pep Chavarria and are not in Europe, so will not have as many fixtures to navigate this season.
With that in mind they are not expected to sign a third left-back to supplement their squad. Chelsea also have six central midfielders, although it is possible Enzo Fernandez could be sold and Dario Essugo leaves on loan.
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It makes it unlikely Chelsea would be in the market to sign Lewis-Skelly without substantial sales.
Lewis-Skelly’s position
Lewis-Skelly has made it clear that he wants to stay at Arsenal and is focused on working to try to establish himself as a first team regular at the club.
There is no denying his position in the Arsenal first team is under threat after the arrival of midfielder Guimaraes for £75m from Newcastle United, but there is also the prospect that with so many matches, Lewis-Skelly could still get the game time he desires.
But Arsenal are looking to sell members of their squad before the transfer window closes.
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Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli would be available if a suitable offer was made, while Fabio Vieira and Reiss Nelson are not part of Mikel Arteta’s plans.
Arsenal invested heavily in the market last summer, bringing in eight players for £250m, and they have spent over £100m in this window already while stil looking to add more players before the deadline.
They have sold Christian Norgaard to Everton for £7m and Leandro Trossard to Besiktas for about £15m, but the Gunners are aware they have to be flexible in the market as the deadline gets closer.
As an academy graduate, if Lewis-Skelly is sold he would present ‘pure profit’ in the club’s accounts.
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That fact is something Lewis-Skelly is aware of, writing the caption “pure profit” on a picture of himself with the Premier League trophy when Arsenal celebrated the title at Selhurst Park on the final day of last season.
The impact of the potential sale has changed, however, with the introduction of the new Squad Cost Ratio (SCR) rules, as any sale of a player will now be spread evenly over the length of their contract – meaning clubs won’t be able to show such an immediate boost on their books after selling an academy graduate.
At the moment it does not look like a move for Lewis-Skelly is imminent, but that does not mean his future at Arsenal is certain just yet.
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