Credit: Imago

Evan Lloyd

Sun 15 March 2026 7:00, UK

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Arsenal will be selling a potentially key part of their future midfield if they let go of Myles Lewis-Skelly this summer.

The 19-year-old burst onto the scene spectacularly last season, becoming a key cog in Mikel Arteta’s defence towards the end of the season, despite making his senior debut in the same season.

That first appearance came at the Etihad Stadium, when Lewis-Skelly was brought on in midfield in an attempt to help the 10 men of Arsenal see out a 2-1 win – a task they ultimately fell short of.

But every appearance after that came at left-back, with the Englishman deployed as an inverted full-back.

Arsenal’s plans for Lewis-Skelly have been called into question, after a ninth consecutive Premier League game that he failed to appear in.

Myles Lewis-Skelly in Arsenal peril

Former Manchester United scout Mick Brown exclusively told Football Insider this week that Lewis-Skelly is edging towards an Arsenal exit in the summer.

The 19-year-old has started just one Premier League game this season, and has not looked comfortable even when he has started.

The England international was such a breath of fresh air when he broke onto the scene last season, demonstrating superb ability to carry the ball and endless confidence.

But the lack of minutes has hurt Lewis-Skelly this season. Riccardo Calafiori had taken the defender’s spot at the start of the season, and Piero Hincapie has now jumped ahead of both players.

The teenager’s most memorable moment came against Atletico Madrid in October, when he dribbled past four players before laying the ball off for Gabriel Martinelli to score.

The key facet that Arteta simply must take from that moment is that it came when Lewis-Skelly was situated in the midfield.

Lewis-Skelly’s future does not lie at left-back

Lewis-Skelly caught the eyes at the academy level for his performances in midfield. The Englishman has the perfect build for a box-to-box midfielder, and the technical quality to go with it.

Of course, his current role at left-back allows him to occupy many of the same positions when in possession, and his most memorable moments have come from them.

Last season’s goal against Man City came from a midfield position, and so did his superb assist against Real Madrid.

But when out of possession, playing at left-back exposes Lewis-Skelly’s weaknesses. He is not a particularly fast player, and he is not a standout defender, either.

What Arsenal will get, if they deploy him in midfield, is the ability to push the team forward through brilliant carrying ability and superb passing.

Lewis-Skelly’s future lies on the left of that Arsenal midfield, and his growth will be stunted until Arteta realises it.