(Credit: Imago)

Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent

Sun 8 March 2026 16:51, UK

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Thomas Tuchel is set to play a key role in the future of Myles Lewis-Skelly as he edges towards a move away from Arsenal this summer.

The England boss has publicly told the 19-year-old that he must be playing regular football if he wants the opportunity to represent his nation again.

So far this season, he has started just one Premier League game and played just 10 minutes for England in the October fixtures before being left out in November.

As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Transfer Insider podcast, Lewis-Skelly could push to leave Arsenal if he doesn’t make the World Cup squad.

He has fallen down the pecking order under Mikel Arteta, and while he remains part of their squad, he could go on loan in what could be a busy transfer window for Arsenal.

Myles Lewis-Skelly eyes Arsenal exit after England twist

Football Insider previously revealed that Chelsea are among the clubs watching Lewis-Skelly in case he becomes available after Tuchel’s warning.

The left-back was heavily linked with a move away, either on loan or permanently, during the January transfer window as his World Cup chances are at risk.

With the next international break coming later this month, it looks unlikely that he will be involved, and therefore unlikely he will go to the USA this summer.

Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: “Arteta has preferred Hincapie and Calafiori this season. I’m sure that’ll be frustrating for Lewis-Skelly.

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

“And could be a big frustration for him because he broke into the England squad last season as well.

“If his lack of action means he misses out in the World Cup as well, that might force his hand and make him think that he needs to go out and loan.

“Thomas Tuchel, of course, told him that he will have to be playing regularly to be involved with England and that isn’t happening so far this season.

“So if he’s not involved, he will be encouraged to go out on loan and play regularly, because I don’t think Arsenal have any plans to sell him permanently.”

Arsenal’s stance on Lewis-Skelly exit revealed

Lewis-Skelly has been left frustrated by his lack of playing time so far this season after both Piero Hincapie and Riccardo Calafiori are higher in the pecking order.

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, doubts about his future at the Emirates are growing as Football Insider revealed on 8 March that Arsenal are open to letting Lewis-Skelly leave.

A loan deal is currently considered most likely if he does make the move away, and a number of Premier League clubs are keeping tabs on his situation.

The World Cup was seen as an opportunity to stamp his authority on a position in Tuchel’s side given the lack of left-back options, but missing out will force him into a decision.