With the summer transfer window approaching, Myles Lewis-Skelly, who has fallen out of favour under Mikel Arteta faces an uncertain future. The situation is sure to be the subject of discussions in the coming months.
Born in London and a product of Arsenal's academy, Myles Lewis-Skelly is a homegrown Gunner through and through. At just 18 years of age, the left-back established himself as a regular starter under Arteta last season, making 40 appearances including 27 starts.
Having also earned a call-up to the England senior squad, Lewis-Skelly appeared destined for a bright future at both club and international level. However, the landscape has changed dramatically this season. The now 19-year-old has lost his place in recent months.
Lewis-Skelly set for talks with Arteta
Lewis-Skelly, who is no longer being called up by England manager Thomas Tuchel, has made just one Premier League start this season and has featured in only two of the Gunners' last 10 matches. Questions are already being asked about the future of the young Englishman, who signed a contract extension last summer until June 2030.
Former Arsenal midfielder Ray Parlour has addressed the left-back's situation. “I am sure there will be [a discussion], I am sure he and his agent will go to see Arteta and ask him what the future looks like,” he told The Mirror.
Lewis-Skelly's future therefore remains uncertain, though Parlour sees a solution that could suit all parties. “I do not think they will want to let him go. A loan is a possibility,” he suggested. As things stand, it seems difficult to see the academy graduate's status changing next season.
Calafiori and Hincapie ahead of Lewis-Skelly in the pecking order
Riccardo Calafiori has established himself as an undisputed starter at left-back, while summer signing Piero Hincapie, a natural centre-back, has also featured 12 times at left-back and impressed. Arsenal hold a £44m (€52m) buy option for the Ecuador international and appear set to make his move permanent.
As such, a loan without an option to buy seems the most likely outcome for Lewis-Skelly. Valued at £34m (€40m) by Transfermarkt, the left-back is likely to attract plenty of interest this summer. The positions of both the player and the club will be worth watching closely.
