Arsenal already have a clear stance on Myles Lewis Skelly’s potential January exit.
After a breakout 2024 to 2025 campaign, Lewis Skelly had hoped to build on his momentum this season. However, things have not quite gone to plan. The return to fitness of Riccardo Calafiori has seen the teenager spend more time on the bench than on the pitch. Watching Calafiori shine in an unorthodox, free roaming left back role, so central to Arsenal’s tactical identity this season, it is easy to see why he has been preferred.
Yet as Calafiori continues to start and impress, Lewis Skelly finds himself increasingly sidelined. His development appears to have stalled, and with it, his stock has taken a hit. The consequences are already being felt. The youngster has lost his place in the England national team setup, putting his hopes of making Thomas Tuchel’s World Cup squad next summer in serious jeopardy.
With dreams of representing his country on the grandest stage, Lewis Skelly knows he needs regular minutes between now and the end of the season.
Mokbel weighs in on the defender’s dilemma
Sami Mokbel recently shed light on the player’s situation during an appearance on the Highbury Squad podcast. There is growing speculation that the midfielder turned left back could push for a move away from the Emirates in January, with several clubs reportedly ready to tempt him with the promise of consistent game time.
But what is Arsenal’s position?
According to Mokbel, even if the Hale End graduate were to request a loan move, the club are unlikely to sanction it. He said: “My understanding at the moment, and I do not know if this will change closer to January, is that if Myles Lewis Skelly does go out and tell Arsenal that he wants them to consider a potential loan move…
“Touch wood it does not happen to Riccardo Calafiori, because he is having a fantastic season, but given his previous injury record, from what I understand, Arsenal would loathe to even consider letting him, Lewis Skelly, go.”
Arsenal’s stance may be harsh, but it is logical
It may seem harsh for Arsenal to block a potential exit, especially given the player’s frustrations. Yet from the club’s perspective, it is rooted in logic. While Lewis Skelly’s minutes have been limited, he has not been completely frozen out. Crucially, the issue is not his ability. It is simply that Calafiori is performing at a higher level right now. But, Calafiori suffered an injury on international duty this week, so Lewis-Skelly may still come into his own.
With the festive fixture list approaching, opportunities are likely to arise. Injuries, rotation, and the sheer volume of games should see Lewis Skelly get his chance to impress. When that moment comes, he will need to remind Mikel Arteta, and perhaps Thomas Tuchel, why he remains one of the most exciting young talents in English football.
Daniel O
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Just unlucky kid! Cala is playing on another level, He will get his chance now that cala is injured. Has his confidence been knocked off? Or will he rise up and show us what he got! . We are getting the answers soon.
What’s with all this loan rubbish. He recently signed a new contract with the club, he established himself in the first team squad last season.
Currently he’s a bench warmer, but with the team schedule this season no doubt he’ll get his time. And when he does, its up to him to take it.
It makes me laugh to a large extent when people seem surprised by certain individuals lack of game time for whatever reason.
If you’re at a big club, there’s going to be competition for places. If said player has a problem with that, then go and join a team who’s in 7th place or under. And you will get a game. It’s that simple.
Now I’m not saying Lewis Skelly is complaining, but he or anyone else who is not willing to fight for said place shouldn’t be at the club.
I hate players who try to flee than face competitions for places. Even more so with young academy players who are indebted to the club for their career development.
The kid is frustrated and rightfully so, one pundit stated Lewis Skelly would walk right into the champions starting eleven, not many fans will doubt such a claim.
What needs to be done is stronger man management from the gaffer, the kid is too good to be rotting on the bench.
That’s the issue
Making him out to be better then he is
Gunsmoke,
You can only play 11 at one time. And at the moment Calafiori is in possession. Why doe’s Arteta need to show stronger man management, he’s made his current choice.
Lewis Skelly’s job is to keep his head down, work hard and when his chance comes take it. If he can do it, then maybe Calafiori will then have to win the shirt back.
Remember, only 11 can play at anyone time.
MLS will get his minutes unless Arteta favors Hincapie at LB ahead of him.