In a season where Arsenal are pushing hard for Premier League glory and Champions League success, the future of one of their brightest young stars has come under the spotlight. Former Gunners defender Nacho Monreal has issued a strong endorsement for 19-year-old Myles Lewis-Skelly, urging the versatile left-back to ignore any temptation to force a move away from the Emirates—even if it means confronting sporting director Andrea Berta over limited playing time. Monreal, who knows a thing or two about thriving in north London after over 250 appearances for the club between 2013 and 2019, believes Lewis-Skelly is a “special talent” destined for big things at Arsenal.
The speculation around Lewis-Skelly’s potential departure has intensified in recent weeks, particularly after his omission from Thomas Tuchel’s latest England squad. With the World Cup looming next summer, the teenager’s lack of regular starts has raised questions about whether he might seek more minutes elsewhere to boost his international prospects. Reports suggest interest from several Premier League clubs monitoring his situation, with some even floating the idea of a January loan to ensure he gets the game time needed. However, Arsenal’s hierarchy, led by Berta—who played a key role in extending Lewis-Skelly’s contract earlier this year—views any exit as “unthinkable” amid their title charge.
Lewis-Skelly has featured in 7 Premier League matches for Arsenal this season, but none as a starter, accumulating just 86 minutes on the pitch. His overall appearances across all competitions stand at 12, with four starts, highlighting his role as a squad player rather than a first-team regular.
Much of this limited action stems from the stellar form of summer signing Riccardo Calafiori, who has locked down the left-back spot with impressive displays, including 11 starts, one goal, two assists, and solid defensive contributions in the league.
Monreal, speaking candidly about the youngster, praised his unique qualities and encouraged patience. “I really like Lewis-Skelly. I think he’s one of the best left-backs. When he plays, when I see him, he’s something special. Of course, he’s not playing because Calafiori is playing so well,” Monreal said. “This is nothing against Calafiori, but Lewis-Skelly is different. When you see him play, you will see him most of the time in the middle of the game. He’s not a typical left-back.”
Drawing a comparison to his own playing style, Monreal added: “If I compare myself with Lewis-Skelly, I was more in the left side, go to the side, but he comes often into the middle. He’s really good technically, how he receives the ball, how he turns, how he’s always playing forward. So I don’t know if he’s going to be in the squad for the World Cup, because obviously if you want to be in the squad you need to play in your team. He’s not playing right now, but if we are talking only about his level, yes, he’s a top, top left-back. He’s going to make a lot of appearances as an Arsenal player, 100 percent.”
Despite Monreal’s optimism, the reality for Lewis-Skelly is challenging. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta’s preference for defensively robust lineups, often featuring multiple center-backs like Calafiori to maximize set-piece threats, has left the teenager on the fringes. Recent cryptic messages from Lewis-Skelly himself on social media have fueled further speculation about his mindset, with some interpreting them as subtle hints at frustration with his role.
On the flip side, pushing Berta for an exit could backfire. The Italian sporting director, who has been instrumental in Arsenal’s recent contract extensions—including those for key players like William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes, and Lewis-Skelly himself—has made it clear that the club’s long-term project prioritizes retaining homegrown talent. Arsenal’s strong position in the league and Europe means they’re unlikely to sanction a move mid-season, especially for a player seen as part of their future core.
Former Premier League striker Darren Bent has weighed in, suggesting that if Lewis-Skelly does depart, a specific club could be ideal, but Monreal’s advice resonates louder: stay and fight. With England teammate Nico O’Reilly shining for Manchester City and securing his spot in the national setup, the pressure is on. Yet, as Monreal points out, Lewis-Skelly’s talent is undeniable—rushing a decision now could jeopardize a promising career at one of Europe’s top clubs.
For Lewis-Skelly, the choice boils down to patience versus immediate opportunity. Arsenal fans will hope Monreal’s words ring true, keeping their ‘special talent’ in red and white for years to come. But with the January window approaching, all eyes will be on whether he heeds the warning or tests Berta’s resolve.