Premier League
Myles Lewis-Skelly Urged To Stick With Arsenal Amid Exit Talk Following England Snub
Former Gunners Star Praises Arsenal Teenager
Arsenal teenager Myles Lewis-Skelly has received glowing praise from former Gunners left-back Nacho Monreal, who believes the 19-year-old is destined for a bright future at the Emirates Stadium. The young Englishman has recently been linked with a move away from north London as he searches for more game time, especially after missing out on Thomas Tuchel’s latest England squad ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Monreal, who spent six seasons with Arsenal and made over 250 appearances, described Lewis-Skelly as a “special” player. Speaking to GOAL in association with BetMGM, Monreal said:
“I really like Lewis-Skelly. When he plays, he’s something special. Of course, he’s not playing because Calafiori is playing so well, but Lewis-Skelly is different. He’s technically excellent, always playing forward, and he often drifts into midfield. He’s going to make a lot of appearances as an Arsenal player, 100 percent.”
Why Lewis-Skelly Stands Out
Monreal compared his own style to Lewis-Skelly’s, noting that the teenager is not a typical left-back. While Monreal often hugged the touchline, Lewis-Skelly frequently moves into central areas, showcasing excellent technical skills, vision, and passing ability.
Despite his talent, Lewis-Skelly has struggled for minutes this season. He made 23 Premier League appearances last year, starting 15 times, but has yet to start a league match this campaign, coming off the bench in seven games.
Arteta’s Approach And The England Snub
Manager Mikel Arteta has favored physicality in his back four this season, using players like Riccardo Calafiori, William Saliba, Gabriel, and Jurrien Timber. While Lewis-Skelly has fewer opportunities, Arteta has praised his maturity and mindset.
“We are here to support and help each other. When you look at his age, what he’s already done is remarkable. Don’t focus on one bad moment; sometimes it happens for a reason,” Arteta explained ahead of the Gunners’ trip to Sunderland.
The Verdict: Stay Put Or Move On?
With former stars like Monreal urging him to remain at Arsenal, Lewis-Skelly faces a crucial decision. Patience could allow him to cement his place under Arteta and return to England’s plans ahead of the World Cup. But the lure of guaranteed game time elsewhere may also be tempting for a young player at the start of his career.
For now, Monreal’s advice is clear: stay in north London, develop your game, and your opportunities will come.