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Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent

Sun 8 March 2026 12:00, UK

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Arsenal are increasingly open to letting Myles Lewis-Skelly leave on loan this summer as a result of his lack of regular playing time under Mikel Arteta.

The 19-year-old has started just one Premier League game so far this season, despite having played more in the Champions League during the league phase.

However, with Piero Hincapie and Riccardo Calafiori ahead of him in the pecking order, there are doubts about where the England international fits in their plans.

As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Transfer Insider podcast, Arteta prefers his other two options and is unlikely to change his winning formula.

That could force Lewis-Skelly out of the club, with a potential loan move being considered ahead of what could be a busy transfer window for Arsenal.

Arsenal open door to Myles Lewis-Skelly exit

Football Insider revealed on 6 March that Lewis-Skelly is unhappy at Arsenal and has grown frustrated by his lack of regular playing time so far this season.

With the Gunners still competing in all four competitions, there is a chance his minutes will increase and he remains a key part of the squad under Arteta.

However, while Arsenal have high hopes for his development, he is no longer a key part of their starting XI and could be allowed to leave on loan as a result.

Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: “If he continues to find himself as third choice left back at Arsenal, there might be an opportunity for him to go out on loan.

“He ended up signing a new contract last summer to keep him at the club until 2030, so he’s still a long-term option for Arsenal.

“Mikel Arteta preffers Hincapie and Calafiori, and they are two outstanding defenders, so it’s been hard for Lewis-Skelly to get opportunities.

“He’s made just one start in the Premier League and he is frustrated about that, but it’s been difficult to get into Arteta’s star-studded lineup right now.

“It’s something that the club might look at this summer, and the player himself might want to look at if he wants to be playing regularly in that respect as well.

“I don’t think Arsenal have any plans to sell him permanently, but they might now be open to letting him go on loan in search of playing time.“

Arsenal accelerate transfer plans as busy summer expected

Amid ongoing speculation that Lewis-Skelly will be allowed to leave the Emirates this summer, Arsenal are making plans both for potential sales and signings.

While the left-back is unlikely to be the only player on his way out come the summer transfer window, Arteta is also keen to strengthen his squad in key positions.

Football Insider revealed last month that Arsenal are interested in Julian Alvarez, with the Atletico Madrid star seen as an option to bolster up front.

However, Alvarez is believed to prefer a move to Barcelona rather than a return to the Premier League, with Liverpool also showing an initial interest.

He is not the only target on the Gunners’ radar, however, as they have also been linked with the likes of Anthony Gordon in what could be a busy summer.