Arsenal respond to Chelsea’s interest in ‘shock’ Myles Lewis-Skelly deal
Chelsea are among a number of clubs keeping a close eye on Myles Lewis-Skelly in case he decides to seek a move away from Arsenal in January.
Thomas Tuchel warned the 19-year-old that he must play regular football to make England‘s World Cup squad, after struggling for regular starts under Mikel Arteta so far.
Lewis-Skelly has started just five of a possible 20 games across all competitions so far this season, raising questions about his long-term place in the side.
However, as I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, Arsenal have no intentions of letting the left-back leave in the January transfer window despite his lack of starts, and especially not to a direct rival in Chelsea.
Lewis-Skelly is still seen as an important part of the squad and a future starter, while Riccardo Calafiori‘s injury history means he is needed as a depth option.
Arsenal respond to Chelsea interest in Myles Lewis-Skelly
Football Insider revealed on 14 November that Arsenal are not willing to lose Lewis-Skelly and see him as a valuable part of their plans.
Chelsea are believed to be among those keeping a close eye on his situation in case circumstances change, with ongoing suggestions he could still be allowed to leave.
However, Arsenal will refuse to let the left-back join a direct rival and still have no plans to allow him to leave the Emirates mid-way through the season.
Speaking on the Inside Track podcast, I explained: “I would say there is no chance of a potential move to Chelsea for Myles Lewis-Skelly.
“That would be a real sore one for Arsenal to even consider, letting a homegrown product like Lewis-Skelly move across London to their bitter rivals.
“Look, Arsenal still see him, Lewis-Skelly, as a key part of their long-term plans at the club as well. He signed a new long-term contract not long ago.
“I don’t think they would even consider letting him join a Premier League rival like Chelsea.
“For Chelsea, for me right now, they don’t really need Miles Lewis-Skelly either. I don’t think it would be a priority for Chelsea to try and go out and sign a new left-back as well.
“As I said, Arsenal not even considering letting him go there.
“They won’t want to weaken their squad by even letting any of their players go, never mind Lewis-Skelly who, as I said, is a key part of the plans going forward.”
Chelsea’s transfer priority revealed ahead of the January window
While Chelsea look set to miss out on Lewis-Skelly given Arsenal’s refusal to let him leave, a new left-back is not their priority, and they will look at other options.
Football Insider revealed in September that Chelsea are working to sign a new centre-back, with the position becoming a priority due to their leaky back line.
This comes after Mick Brown told Football Insider in September that Chelsea have “no chance” of competing with Arsenal due to their ongoing defensive issues.
As a result, Brown told Football Insider on 26 November that Chelsea want to sign Nottingham Forest’s Murillo should he become available in the January window.
Chelsea have been keeping tabs on the Brazil international for over a year now, having initially tried to sign him last January, and are prepared to step up their interest once again.
For more Chelsea and exclusive news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.