Lewis-Skelly sends Mikel Arteta clear message after January transfer claim

Arsenal youngster Myles Lewis-Skelly has been linked with a move away from the club in the January transfer window, but his latest social media post may suggest otherwise

Arsenal splashed out over £250million in the summer transfer window, bolstering their squad with a host of new signings. Despite injuries plaguing various positions within the team this season, the full-back role has remained relatively unscathed.

Jurrien Timber and Riccardo Calafiori have emerged as Mikel Arteta’s preferred choices, impressing with their attacking and defensive prowess. However, this has had a ripple effect on those waiting in the wings, including Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ben White, who have seen their game time reduced.

For Lewis-Skelly, it marks the first significant hurdle in his burgeoning Arsenal career. The Hale End academy graduate initially made his mark as a midfielder but was thrust into the left-back role last season due to injuries to Calafiori and Oleksandr Zinchenko.

READ MORE: Wrexham forced into urgent repair work after ‘major issues’ found at stadiumREAD MORE: Alan Shearer issues Arsenal warning over major blow that’s ‘tough to take’

His performances didn’t go unnoticed, earning him England caps along the way. Now, however, he finds himself on the fringes, facing the challenge of breaking back into both the Arsenal and England setups.

Lewis-Skelly has been linked with a move away from the club in the January transfer window. However, his recent cryptic Instagram post might give us a glimpse into his current state of mind.

He simply posted: “Persistence,” along with several photos of him working out in the gym and snapshots of his personal life.

It appears that the 19-year-old is prepared to battle for his spot at Arsenal, even if it means risking his place in England’s World Cup squad for 2026. Lewis-Skelly recently opened up about his situation in the team during a press conference.

Speaking to ESPN, he said: “I’m enjoying it this season. It’s a different experience for me, not playing as much at the moment, but I’m enjoying being part of the team.

“It’s important to compete for places and I’m a competitive person, so I’m never going to back down. I enjoy the challenge. Being with these boys is a joy.

“The standards are high and everyone wants to play. Because the levels are so much higher this season, places are short, but you’ve just got to compete. At the end of the day, I just want to express myself.

“Football’s what I love and I’ll never make excuses if I am playing or not. I just want to go out there and express myself. As long as I’m doing that, I’m giving the gaffer a choice to make.”

Lewis-Skelly has already made a dozen appearances in all competitions, including four starts in the Champions League and Carabao Cup. Despite this being a fresh challenge for the young player, he appears determined to make his mark on the manager’s plans.

Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL package

This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more

£43

£35

Sky

Get the deal here

Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £192 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.

Sky will show at least 215 live Premier League games next season, an increase of up to 100 more.