Arsenal's star studded squad has put them in the position to land multiple honours, but the amount of quality has seen Myles Lewis-Skelly's opportunities decrease
Myles Lewis-Skelly has found starts hard to come by at Arsenal
Myles Lewis-Skelly has found starts hard to come by at Arsenal
View 2 Images
Arsenal youngster Myles Lewis-Skelly enjoyed a breakout campaign last term, but this season has slipped down the pecking order - with his situation potentially worsening as a result of the club's transfer plans.
The teenager made 39 appearances in all competitions last term, proving himself in defence and midfield, with his standout moment coming when he scored against Manchester City at the Emirates.
This year Mikel Arteta has preferred other options, which has limited Lewis-Skelly to just a solitary start in the Premier League. He's been subbed on 13 times, but it represents a sharp fall down the pecking order.
Arsenal's decision to sign Piero Hincapie on loan in the summer has added competition for the Arsenal academy graduate - and football.london understands that the move will be made permanent. Hincapie has jumped ahead of Lewis-Skelly and, if he is going to stay long-term, it leaves the young Englishman needing to usurp him.
Before that he also needs to dispatch of Riccardo Calafiori, who would be deemed above him in the pecking order. Even a move into midfield is an avenue that appears cluttered - with a number of stellar performers fancied ahead of the 19-year-old.
Declan Rice, Mikel Merino, Martin Zubimendi and even Kai Havertz can all play in the middle of the pitch. It is understood that Arsenal will also look to bring in a midfielder this summer, which would see even more individuals ahead of Lewis-Skelly.
The timing of his situation is unfavourable for the player, who had hoped to push on with England. He has previously been picked by Thomas Tuchel but was left out of the squad in November, when the German claimed he couldn't justify picking the Arsenal teenager given his lack of minutes - a reality that has not changed.
The teenager knows his England hopes are fading due to his lack of minutes
The teenager knows his England hopes are fading due to his lack of minutes
View 2 Images
He said: "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. 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."
Arsenal's transfer activity in recent years has seen them assemble a squad that is regarded among the best in Europe. Their depth has proved a huge asset to Arteta, but it has left certain players on the outer. Ethan Nwaneri, another academy graduate, headed out on loan in January to ensure he could get some minutes.
FREE William Hill Shop Bets inside your Mirror every day of Cheltenham
Don't miss a FREE shop bet inside your favourite racing paper every day of the Cheltenham festival! Plus, get expert inside from our top tipsters with pullouts every day from Tuesday March 10 - Friday March 13, 2026 covering the runners, riders, and everything you need to make the 102nd Cheltenham festival the biggest ever. Find out more here.
Bet 18+ only. Terms and conditions apply. See paper for details.