By Louis Nixon
**In search of reinforcements for AFCON, the Hammers have set their eyes on Arsenal star Myles Lewis-Skelly.**
Since it is closing in on the World Cup 2026 Campaign, numerous players are gasping at a last-minute move in January in order to prove themselves for their respective nations in the hope of being called up to the World Cup squad.
The 19-year-old has been informed by England Boss Thomas Tuchel that he needs more minutes if he is to be called up to the squad in the Summer, suggesting that a move away from Arsenal would be the best move.
However, as anticipated, Arsenal aren’t allowing one of their most talented youth prospects to leave on a Permanent deal, and would only consider a loan. Whilst this may sound enticing for some, would he be able to get those minutes he needs at West Ham?
At the start of the season, we had Ollie Scarles and Malick Diouf as our left-back options, but since then, Scarles has accumulated a long-term injury and Diouf is heading off to AFCON, meaning we won’t have a primary left-back.
However, Scarles would nearly be set to return to the squad from injury by the time Malick Diouf departs. As well as this, it’s unknown how long he will be at the campaign for seeing as anything can happen. In 2019, Senegal finished as runners-up, in 2021, they won the Tournament, and in 2023, they were knocked out in the Round of 16.
Presuming that they were to win the Tournament, we could expect him to return for the Sunderland game, 24th January, meaning come the opening of the winter window, we could use Lewis-Skelly for three matches, as I firmly believe Diouf would get the nod ahead of Lewis-Skelly, seeing as one is a permanent player and the other is destined to be a loan.
Accumulating another left-back isn’t worth it temporarily or in the long run. Yes, injuries could happen, but that’s diving into the unknown territory that no one can predict.
Whilst a talented player and has a lot of potential for the future, the benefit towards us is minimal, therefore not something we should indulge in and perhaps something we should stay Myles away from.