At a Glance:
Arsenal are interested in West Ham midfielder Mateus Fernandes
Myles Lewis-Skelly is the young superstar Arsenal need—signing Fernandes might affect that
Could limit Lewis-Skelly’s game time
Arsenal are on the cusp of a first Premier League title in two decades, and regardless of if they win the league or not, will be looking to strengthen the squad in the summer.
West Ham’s Mateus Fernandes is the latest talent to be linked to the club, with his all-round game suiting what Mikel Arteta desires out of his midfielders within the Arsenal system.
Departures would most likely take place in order to facilitate this transfer, both in terms of finances and to ensure the Gunners’ midfield depth is of the right balance—Christian Norgaard’s rumoured departure from the Emirates could fit both criteria nicely.
A factor to consider, though, is that Arsenal do have a fairly deep midfield roster anyway, and a potential new star signing like Fernandes would expect to play good minutes. That may not be worth it, thanks to another emerging talent making headlines at the North London club.
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Myles Lewis-Skelly has shown he is Arsenal’s next midfield superstar
Myles Lewis-Skelly has only started four times for Arsenal in the Premier League this season, but his two most recent performances in the red and white have shown that he could potentially be a huge part of the club’s plans next season.
Against Fulham, Atletico Madrid, and West Ham, Lewis-Skelly has starred as a defensive midfielder in place of Martin Zubimendi, earning plaudits for his performances in all three games.
Given that Lewis-Skelly was apparently going to be sent out on loan only a matter of months ago, it is a remarkable turnaround for the teenager.
Season Myles Lewis-Skelly’s total appearances in all competitions
2024/25 42
2025/26 33
Data correct as of 14/5/26
Using stats over the course of the 2025/26 season to reflect the 19-year-old’s performances is perhaps unfair given his lack of consistent game time, but in perhaps his most impressive performance of the year versus Fulham, Lewis-Skelly won six out of his nine ground duels, made six recoveries, and was able to carry the ball forward 27 times.
While his track record in the midfield is limited so far, it would be perhaps unwise to sign another midfielder before the Arsenal number 49 has a significant amount of game time under his belt—especially given that Fernandes might limit Lewis-Skelly’s minutes.
Lewis-Skelly might not have a proper place in the team if Mateus Fernandes joins
A more defensive-minded midfielder’s minutes should not be impeded when a more attacking one joins, as the two are almost guaranteed to play different roles, but what Mikel Arteta might do to accomodate Fernandes could block the pathway of 19-year-old Myles Lewis-Skelly.
Currently, the Arsenal midfield consists of two central midfielders, also known as 8s, and a defensive midfielder. The left-sided 8 functions as an engine and is required to be involved in almost all aspects of the game. Meanwhile, the right-sided 8 is more of a traditional attacking midfielder, with the defensive midfielder focusing mainly on build-up and ball retention.
Declan Rice has been on the left of central midfield essentially all-season, and Martin Odegaard has been the other central midfielder when fit. Martin Zubimendi has played over 50 games as the deepest-lying of the three, but recently, Myles Lewis-Skelly has impressed there in limited cameos.
If West Ham were to sell Fernandes to Arsenal, the 21-year-old would probably be ideal in the position Declan Rice currently is employed in, with Rice moving back to defensive midfield if the two played together.
This would mean that Martin Zubimendi would probably be a back-up, or at least a rotational option, with Rice in the number 6 position, while Myles Lewis-Skelly would once again find himself deep down Arsenal’s pecking order, much in the same fashion as the start of his 2025/26 season.