Sources: Mikel Arteta makes ‘definite’ Myles Lewis-Skelly transfer plan at Arsenal
Arsenal have no plans to lose Myles Lewis-Skelly during the January transfer window despite claims he could be allowed to leave the club on loan.
The 19-year-old was left out of Thomas Tuchel‘s most recent England squad, and told he must play more regular minutes after starting just four games so far this season.
However, as I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, Arsenal are unlikely to entertain loan offers during the mid-season window as he remains a crucial part of their plans, and have completely ruled out a permanent exit.
Mikel Arteta plans for the left-back to play an increased role as the season progresses, with the increased fixture congestion likely to hand him his opportunity.
Lewis-Skelly has largely played backup to Riccardo Calafiori so far this season, but given the Italian’s patchy injury history, he could be called upon soon.
Arsenal make Myles Lewis-Skelly exit decision
Lewis-Skelly made 39 senior appearances for Arsenal in what was his breakthrough season last time out, and is believed to be frustrated by his reduced role.
However, despite Premier League clubs eyeing Lewis-Skelly, he has been told to stay patient and he will get his chance to impress as they aim to compete in all four competitions.
Speaking on the Inside Track podcast, I explained: “I just don’t see it myself. Obviously Thomas Tuchel has suggested he needs to play more regularly to get into the World Cup squad.
“It’s not an ideal situation for Lewis-Skelly, but Arsenal are fully confident that Lewis-Skelly will play a role in the side this season and for the seasons going on.
“He’s a key part of Arsenal’s plans long term. I think obviously if Calafiori was to get injured, which he picked up quite a few injuries last year, Lewis-Skelly will get minutes in that team.
“I can’t imagine that Mikel Arteta would want to weaken his squad by letting somebody like Lewis-Skelly leave in January and definitely wouldn’t consider selling him on a permanent basis.
“As I’ve said, he’s a long-term part of the ongoing project at the Emirates as well.
“So I think it’s a case of Lewis-Skelly just have to sit and wait patiently for opportunity.
“As I said with so many games Arsenal have got coming up I’m sure he will get minutes between now and end of the season.”
Calafiori missed 30 games for club and country through injury during the 2024/25 season, and while he has remained healthy so far, rotation will be necessary for his fitness.
Newcastle, Everton and West Ham plotting Lewis-Skelly swoops
Despite the Gunners’ intentions of keeping him at the club, multiple clubs in the Premier League keeping close tabs on the left-back’s situation.
Everton, West Ham and Newcastle are all tracking Lewis-Skelly, with all three in need of reinforcements at left-back ahead of the January transfer window.
The opportunity to land an England international, even on a short-term deal, has put the clubs on red alert and they are now preparing to approach Arsenal.
Despite some suggestions that Lewis-Skelly could seek a permanent move if his playing time does not improve, Arsenal have no plans to entertain offers.
A loan is also considered unlikely, but that has done little to deter the growing interest, and he could be tempted to push for the move to increase his England chances.
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