Arsenal's Lewis-Skelly PROBLEM could be a BLESSING in disguise

Tom Weber

Updated: 5 Apr 2025 18:20 BST
4 min read

Myles Lewis-Skelly, Arsenal, 2024/25 — © IMAGO

It increasingly looks as though Arsenal may have a Myles Lewis-Skelly problem.

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The youngster has emerged as one of the most exciting talents in North London this season. Thrust into the first team by Mikel Arteta aged just 17, the now 18-year-old has become a regular fixture at left-back for Arsenal.

STATS

Myles Lewis-Skelly

D (L), M, DMC

Arsenal

Myles Lewis-Skelly

D (L), M, DMC

Arsenal

31

Games
1

Goals
2

Assists

This has, in part, been caused by the club's gamble with Riccardo Calafiori not really paying off. Arsenal took a risk when they signed the injury-prone Italian last summer and, although it is difficult to doubt his quality, he has missed a lot of football this season.

Lewis-Skelly has impressed with his overall performances at left-back, so much so that he is already a full senior England international, but there is one glaring problem: the teenager has repeatedly been on the wrong end of game-changing refereeing decisions.

The youngster has been sent off three times this season, albeit one of his suspensions was subsequently rescinded. Against Everton on Saturday, he gave away a penalty that ultimately saw Arsenal slump to a disappointing 1-1 draw.

Lewis-Skelly problem a blessing?

Of course, there has been an element of misfortune. The fact that his red card against Wolves was later overturned proved that it was a refereeing mistake, and his penalty against Everton was certainly contentious, to say the least.

However, the fact that Lewis-Skelly is repeatedly getting himself into these uncomfortable situations speaks to his lack of defensive experience and a certain carelessness or rashness.

Indeed, it is unsurprising that Arsenal fans are increasingly calling on Mikel Arteta to stop playing Lewis-Skelly as a defender. This, it seems, would be a wise decision and not just for on-field reasons.

Lewis-Skelly started out as a midfielder and FootballTransfers previously revealed that this is likely where his future lies. Arsenal are looking for a new left-back, which means that the teenager will eventually be moved back into midfield.

However, it might be worthwhile to fast-track this change in position as it could help Arsenal in the summer transfer window. The Gunners are looking to bolster their midfield with several new players.

They are in very advanced negotiations with Martin Zubimendi, who will cost €60 million. They have also held promising talks with Norwegian wonderkid Sverre Nypan, who is expected to cost between €10m and €20m.

FootballTransfers has reported that Arsenal could look to add another young midfielder in addition to Nypan. They are huge admirers of Frankfurt star Hugo Larsson, but he has been given a whopping €60m price tag.

By moving Lewis-Skelly back into midfield, they would forego the need for another expensive midfielder like Larsson, which could be crucial for the summer transfer window considering that Arsenal are plotting a potentially record-breaking spend.

Although Arsenal don't have any concerns over Profit and Sustainability Rules at present, this could quickly change if they spend north of €200m this summer as is fully anticipated. But with Lewis-Skelly available as a midfield option, they could save valuable funds.