Arsenal have made it clear they will reject any approach for young defender Myles Lewis-Skelly during the January transfer window.
No Deal: Arsenal Reject All January Moves for Lewis-Skelly
The club will entertain neither loan moves nor permanent transfers for the 19-year-old, whom they consider a vital part of Mikel Arteta’s first-team plans.
This decision comes despite the England international receiving advice from national team manager Thomas Tuchel that he requires regular playing time to secure a spot in the upcoming World Cup squad.
Currently serving as backup to first-choice left-back Riccardo Calafiori, Lewis-Skelly’s pathway appears limited.
However, Arsenal’s recent history with injuries and a relentless fixture schedule have solidified his importance.
The Gunners are actively competing on four fronts this season and the coming year.
Arteta knows a single injury can quickly alter the defensive landscape, as demonstrated by current absences including Gabriel Magalhaes and Ben White.
Should Calafiori face a spell on the sidelines, the club sees Lewis-Skelly as the immediate replacement, even with versatile option Piero Hincapie available.
Club confidence in the teenager remains high, fuelled by his standout performances in last season’s Champions League knockout stages.
He dazzled against Real Madrid in the quarter-finals and started both semi-final legs against Paris Saint-Germain, with his potential even attracting attention from the Spanish giants.
With a Carabao Cup semi-final against Chelsea looming and challenges across every competition, Arsenal believe opportunities will come.
They maintain that every player in their squad is essential, a lesson reinforced by periods where injuries have rapidly depleted their options.
Therefore, any club inquiring about Lewis-Skelly’s availability this January will receive a firm and definitive refusal.
