Credit: Imago

Evan Lloyd

Wed 6 May 2026 7:45, UK

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Everton were among the teams reportedly tracking Arsenal youngster Myles Lewis-Skelly ahead of a potential summer exit.

Before Saturday, the England international had made just 16 Premier League appearances and only two in the starting XI.

Despite having emerged as the first-choice left-back last season, Lewis-Skelly had almost completely fallen out of favour with Mikel Arteta.

The 19-year-old signed a new contract last summer and is tied down to 2030, but Arsenal were reportedly paying serious consideration to the idea of cashing in.

Everton transfer chiefs would have been aware that a move would be a costly one, but surely worth it for a player of Lewis-Skelly’s talent.

Myles Lewis-Skelly has emerged once more for Arsenal

Football Insider exclusively revealed in March that Lewis-Skelly could push to leave Arsenal this summer amid frustration about his lack of playing time this season.

The 19-year-old played such a big part for the Gunners last season and was a revelation at left-back, rewarded with his first England caps under Thomas Tuchel.

But this season, he has been forced to play second fiddle behind both Riccardo Calafiori and Piero Hincapie, who have been impressive.

Lewis-Skelly has lost his place in the England team, and just days ago, it looked certain that he would not be going to the World Cup.

However, Arteta’s decision to deploy the teenager in midfield as Arsenal played Fulham on Saturday has changed everything.

The youngster was a midfielder throughout his youth career, and there have been calls for him to be given an opportunity in the middle for some time.

And it is easy to see why. Lewis-Skelly was incredible against Fulham, and he kept his place and was brilliant once again as Arsenal beat Atletico Madrid on Tuesday to go to the Champions League final.

With just one decision, Everton’s chance of signing the 19-year-old this summer appears to have entirely evaporated.

What Mikel Arteta said about Lewis-Skelly

It has been a rapid turnaround for Lewis-Skelly, who has played 164 minutes in the space of a few days after sitting on the bench for much of the season.

The trust in him was made clear by Arteta’s decision to start him on Tuesday as Arsenal tried to make it through a Champions League semi-final for the first time in 20 years.

“I think I’ve been tough on him, quite tough,” the Spaniard said. “He’s been very, very persistent and consistent in his behaviours.

“He’s been knocking on the door constantly to have the right to play and I think he deserved it.”