Mikel Arteta could save a huge chunk of his transfer budget this summer by deploying teenage star Myles Lewis-Skelly in a different position. The left-back has been a revelation for Arsenal this season, making 37 first-team appearances and scoring in the 5-1 win over Manchester City.
However, while his form has impressed, the Gunners have again finished the campaign without a major trophy. Sunday’s 1-0 win over Newcastle all-but secured a third consecutive second-placed finish in the Premier League, while Paris Saint-Germain dashed hopes of a first-ever Champions League win at the semi-final stage. New sporting director Andrea Berta is now expected to be given financial backing in the transfer window to help Arteta strengthen his squad.
Arsenal have long been linked with Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi. The 26-year-old, who reportedly has a release clause of around £50million in his contract, turned down a move to Liverpool FC last year but has again excelled in La Liga this season.
Arteta will need reinforcements in the middle, as Jorginho is set to leave the club as a free agent to join Brazilian side Flamengo. There is also speculation over the future of Thomas Partey, with the Ghanaian’s contract also expiring this summer.
If Partey does follow Jorginho out the door, Arteta is likely to look for a second midfield option alongside Zubimendi. However, in Lewis-Skelly, he may already have a solution that could save a transfer fee.
The 18-year-old played as a midfielder throughout his time in the Arsenal academy. Although Oleksandr Zinchenko and Kieran Tierney are leaving the club this summer, the Spanish manager is not short of left-back options if he gives the youngster an advanced role.
Jurrien Timber, Riccardo Calafiori and Jakob Kiwior are capable of playing on the left-hand side of defence. With William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes the first-choice centre-back pairing, and Ben White back fit, moving one of the trio over wouldn’t disrupt Arsenal’s defensive set-up.
Lewis-Skelly’s ability to surge forward and dribble at players has been showcased this season. He’s already been capped twice by England after being named in Thomas Tuchel’s first squad for the World Cup qualifiers against Albania and Latvia in March.