Arsenal Open Door To Summer Exit
(Credit: Imago)
Arsenal are increasingly willing to let Myles Lewis-Skelly leave on loan this summer due to his lack of regular playing time under Mikel Arteta.
The 19-year-old has only started one Premier League match so far this season, although he has featured more in the Champions League during the league stage.
However, with Piero Hincapie and Riccardo Calafiori ahead of him in the pecking order, doubts remain over the England international’s place in their plans.
As I revealed in the last edition of Football Insider Transfer Insider PodcastArteta prefers his other two options and is unlikely to change his winning formula.
This could force Lewis-Skelly out of the club, with a possible loan move being considered ahead of what could be a busy transfer window for Arsenal.
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Arsenal open door to Myles Lewis-Skelly exit
Football Insider revealed on March 6 that Lewis-Skelly was unhappy at Arsenal and had become frustrated with his lack of regular playing time so far this season.
With the Gunners still competing in all four competitions, there is a chance his minutes will increase and he remains a key part of the team under Arteta.
However, although Arsenal have high hopes for his development, he is no longer a key part of their starting XI and could therefore be allowed to leave on loan.
Speaking on the Podcast Transfer InsiderI explained: “If he continues to find himself as a third-choice left-back at Arsenal, there could be an opportunity for him to leave on loan.
“He ended up signing a new contract last summer to keep him at the club until 2030, so he remains a long-term option for Arsenal.
“Mikel Arteta prefers Hincapie and Calafiori, and they are two exceptional defenders, so it has been difficult for Lewis-Skelly to get opportunities.
“He’s only made one Premier League start and he’s frustrated about it, but it’s been difficult to break into Arteta’s star-studded lineup at the moment.
“It’s something the club might consider this summer, and the player himself might want to think about it if he wants to play regularly in that regard as well.
“I don’t think Arsenal have any plans to sell him permanently, but they might now be willing to leave him on loan in search of game time.“
Arsenal accelerate transfer plans amid busy summer
Amid ongoing speculation that Lewis-Skelly will be allowed to leave the Emirates this summer, Arsenal are considering both sales and potential signings.
While the left-back is unlikely to be the only player leaving in the summer transfer window, Arteta is also keen to strengthen his squad in key positions.
Football Insider revealed last month that Arsenal were interested in Julian Alvarez, with the Atletico Madrid star seen as an option to strengthen their attack.
However, Alvarez would prefer a move to Barcelona rather than a return to the Premier League, with Liverpool also showing early interest.
He is not the only target on the Gunners’ radar, however, as they have also been linked with Anthony Gordon in what could be a busy summer.
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