Myles Lewis-Skelly: Arsenal defender being monitored by Premier League clubs as Thomas Tuchel sends World Cup warning
England manager Thomas Tuchel has told Myles Lewis-Skelly he needs more game time if he is to make it into the World Cup squad as Premier League clubs monitor his situation at Arsenal.
Lewis-Skelly was omitted from the group to face Serbia and Albania, with Tuchel stating that, while he is a great character and a valuable member of the squad, “it is not enough to just be a good tourist”.
The 19-year-old has played only 87 minutes of Premier League football so far this season, seemingly losing his place as Arsenal’s first-choice left-back to Riccardo Calafiori.
Lewis-Skelly also faces competition from summer signing Piero Hincapie, who was preferred at left-back in Arsenal’s recent Champions League victory over Slavia Prague.
A number of Premier League clubs are monitoring the situation around Lewis-Skelly given he has only made seven substitute appearances in the competition this term.
But Arsenal are not looking to sell any players in the January transfer window as they compete for four major trophies – and Lewis-Skelly recently signed a new five-year contract.
There are no pressing financial constraints for Arsenal either, but if they were to sell, Lewis-Skelly would represent 100 per cent profit in terms of Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR), because he has come through the club’s academy.
Lewis-Skelly was one of the breakthrough stars of last season, starting regularly for Arsenal in the second half of the campaign and scoring on his England debut against Albania in March.
Myles Lewis-Skelly has only started in Arsenal’s Champions League and Carabao Cup matches this season
He has gone on to win a further five caps for the national side, starting five of their last eight games, but Tuchel favoured Nico O’Reilly for his latest squad after his impressive performances at left-back for Manchester City.
“Myles was a very good team-mate and played for us in the last camp in the World Cup qualifier in Riga, so was Ruben Loftus-Cheek, so was Morgan Gibbs-White,” said Tuchel following the squad announcement.
“But I said last time there is a component to it and that is about competition and performance and the door is always open for guys who perform on a high level regularly.
“Myles, Ruben and Morgan got out-performed by O’Reilly, Alex Scott and Jude Bellingham in their positions.
“Myles simply needs more starts, more minutes.
“Now came a time when O’Reilly had so many starts in that position, so he is slightly ahead for this camp.”
Analysis: Arsenal not set to be busy this January
Arsenal currently have a long injury list up front
Sky Sports News’ Dharmesh Sheth:
Premier League leaders Arsenal are not expecting to be busy in January unless there is a serious long-term injury or a unique market opportunity presents itself.
January is not a window in which Arsenal are usually active. Last time they signed players in January was 2023 when Leandro Trossard, Jorginho and Jakub Kiwior came in.
In January 2025, they tried to sign Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins but decided against pursuing a deal because of the price and the impact it would have had on their summer plans.
Overall, Arsenal – like many of the big clubs – see January as a reactive window. The club plan two to three years in advance with the emphasis being on summer recruitment.
Add to that, Arsenal currently have injuries to Viktor Gyokeres, Gabriel Martinelli, captain Martin Odegaard, Noni Madueke, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus – and all of them are closing in on a return.
Some may even be available after the international break.
Departures are seen as unlikely, with boss Mikel Arteta suggesting Jesus will be an important part of his plans having returned to training last week.
A number of Premier League clubs would be interested in taking him on loan but it does not look likely he will be available.
Everton prioritising January striker – could they get Jesus?
Gabriel Jesus has been injured since January
Latest from Sky Sports News’ Rob Dorsett and Lyall Thomas:
Everton are prioritising the signing of a striker in January – and hopefully one with a different profile to that of Beto and Thierno Barry.
Manager David Moyes would also like to sign someone with Premier League experience and loans are being considered, although he and the club are aware of how difficult the January window can be.
Gabriel Jesus is a name on the radar, but Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta said last week he remains an important part of his plans as the Brazilian returned to training from a long-term injury.
Ivan Toney – currently playing in Saudi Arabia – is a name on the radar of a number of Premier League clubs and Everton are among those believed to have had a look into his situation.
Josh Zirkzee at Manchester United is another Everton would be keen on if his current club were to make him available – but there is no indication that that is the case at this stage.
