‘Arsenal face fight to keep Myles Lewis-Skelly as Real Madrid prepare to swoop’
Arsenal could face an uphill battle to retain the services of Myles Lewis-Skelly, who has attracted transfer interest from Real Madrid.
Lewis-Skelly has enjoyed an exceptional breakout season at the Emirates Stadium, making 39 appearances across all competitions.
The left-back’s impressive Arsenal exploits have seen him handed two England caps, while he scored on his Three Lions debut as Thomas Tuchel’s men beat Albania 2-0 on 21 March.
According to The Sun, Lewis-Skelly will be available on a free transfer next summer, when his current Gunners contract expires.
Lewis-Skelly Arsenal exit could be inevitable amid Real Madrid interest
The 18-year-old helped the North London side reach the Champions League semi-finals, where they were beaten by eventual final winners PSG.
It was revealed on the Guardian’s Football Weekly podcast [26 May] that Lewis-Skelly has attracted interest from Real Madrid, while contract talks between Arsenal and the teenager are not going well.
Trent Alexander-Arnold’s recent exit from boyhood side and Premier League champions Liverpool in favour of Madrid demonstrates the enormous pull of the La Liga giants, even following a season in which they have dropped below their usual standards.
Madrid have already signed Dean Huijsen from Bournemouth, and could be set for an exciting new era under Xabi Alonso, who enjoyed a highly successful stint as Bayer Leverkusen boss.
If Los Blancos hand Lewis-Skelly a concrete contract offer once he is available next summer, Arsenal will likely struggle to retain his services.
Madrid move could be ideal for Lewis-Skelly
There is no doubt that while Lewis-Skelly’s career is still in its relative infancy, he has put himself in a fantastic position by enjoying regular game time with Arsenal.
| Myles Lewis-Skelly stats | Premier League 2024/25 |
| Appearances | 23 |
| Tackles won % | 63.6 |
| Duels won % | 69.7 |
| Pass accuracy % | 93.6 |
| Goals | 1 |
The England international will likely remain as the Gunners’ first-choice left-back next season, and looks likely to be selected for Tuchel’s side for the 2026 World Cup.
Lewis-Skelly could help Arsenal launch a more serious title challenge next season, and Mikel Arteta’s men will also hope to achieve success in the Carabao Cup, the FA Cup, and the Champions League.
The 18-year-old has already proven his credentials in the Premier League and could be ready for the challenge of joining Madrid next summer.
Moving to the Spanish capital would likely be a positive one for Lewis-Skelly, who would be able to link up with England teammates Jude Bellingham and Alexander-Arnold.
Furthermore, Alonso’s elite coaching could help boost his already exciting development.