Arsenal Youngster Myles Lewis-Skelly Urged to Stay Amid Exit Rumours

Myles Lewis-Skelly continues to be at the heart of Arsenal’s future plans, as speculation swirls around his potential departure following his omission from the latest England squad. Amid these rumours, former Arsenal left-back Nacho Monreal has spoken out, encouraging the talented teenager to remain in north London and seize the opportunities that lie ahead.

Myles Lewis-Skelly’s Arsenal Journey and Recent England Snub

Arsenal’s 19-year-old prodigy, Myles Lewis-Skelly, has found himself at a crossroads after being left out of Thomas Tuchel’s most recent England squad. With the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, the lack of first-team minutes this season has fuelled talk that Lewis-Skelly may seek a move away from the Emirates in search of more regular playing time.

Despite registering 23 Premier League appearances last season, including 15 starts as part of Mikel Arteta’s title-challenging side, Lewis-Skelly has struggled to break into the starting XI this term. The shift in Arteta’s tactical approach—prioritising physicality and defensive solidity—has seen Riccardo Calafiori cement his place at left-back, limiting Lewis-Skelly to just seven appearances off the bench.

Monreal’s Praise: “Lewis-Skelly Is Something Special”

Monreal, who made over 250 appearances for Arsenal, recently shared his thoughts in an interview with GOAL, in association with BetMGM. The Spanish veteran highlighted Lewis-Skelly’s unique combination of technical ability and positional intelligence, setting him apart from Arsenal’s other left-sided defenders.

“I really like Lewis-Skelly. I think he’s one of the best left-backs. When he plays, you see something special,” Monreal commented, adding that while Calafiori has performed excellently, Lewis-Skelly offers a different profile. The young Englishman’s tendency to drift into central midfield and his forward-thinking playstyle impressed Monreal, who believes Lewis-Skelly has the potential to become a mainstay at Arsenal.

Arteta’s Approach and Lewis-Skelly’s Response

Despite the challenge of limited opportunities, Lewis-Skelly has maintained professionalism and maturity. Mikel Arteta has publicly acknowledged the teenager’s attitude and progress, noting, “When you look at his age and what he’s already achieved, it’s remarkable. These moments happen for a reason, and sometimes the bigger picture is revealed later.”

Nevertheless, Arteta’s current preference for a physically dominant backline—deploying four players capable of playing centre-back—has made it difficult for Lewis-Skelly to reclaim his starting spot. The manager has consistently praised both Calafiori’s contributions and Lewis-Skelly’s technical qualities, but competition for places remains fierce.

Arsenal’s Faith in Lewis-Skelly’s Long-Term Future

Reports from north London suggest that Arsenal have no intention of allowing Lewis-Skelly to leave, despite interest from other clubs and the player’s ambition to gain more minutes ahead of the World Cup. The club remains confident in his long-term value and development, and insiders believe he will be given further opportunities to shine as the season progresses.

Meanwhile, England manager Thomas Tuchel’s recent comments—emphasizing the need for regular club football to earn a squad place—have only intensified speculation about Lewis-Skelly’s next move. Whether he seeks a loan to gain experience or continues to fight for his place at Arsenal, his future remains a topic of keen interest for both fans and pundits.

What Lies Ahead for Lewis-Skelly?

With the January transfer window approaching and his World Cup dreams in the balance, Lewis-Skelly faces crucial decisions in the coming months. Remaining patient, continuing to develop under Arteta, and seizing every opportunity at Arsenal could prove to be his best path forward.

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Opinion: Why Lewis-Skelly Should Stay at Arsenal

In my view, Myles Lewis-Skelly is too talented and too important to Arsenal’s future to consider leaving at this stage. While the desire for regular football is understandable, the mentorship and high-level competition at Arsenal will only accelerate his development. As Monreal rightly points out, Lewis-Skelly is “something special” and with patience, his breakthrough moment is surely on the horizon.