Smith Suggests Arsenal Should Cash In on Lewis-Skelly This Summer

Mikel Arteta faces a potential decision over the future of Myles Lewis-Skelly, with Arsenal legend Alan Smith suggesting the club cash in on the academy graduate when the transfer window reopens.

The 19-year-old left-back enjoyed a stellar debut campaign last term, racking up 39 appearances across all competitions and earning six England caps as reward for his performances. That form secured him a long-term deal through 2030, seemingly cementing his place at the Emirates.

Yet this season tells a different story. Lewis-Skelly has found opportunities scarce in the Premier League after Riccardo Calafiori moved ahead of him in the pecking order, mustering just a single league start. His appearances have been confined largely to Champions League duty, where he has started five of Arsenal's seven matches.

Despite loan offers from top-flight rivals arriving in January—which the Gunners rebuffed—Smith reckons a permanent departure might serve everyone's interests come summer.

"He is just not good enough defensively," the former striker declared when discussing the teenager's prospects. "He's been brought up as a midfielder, and when he's had 1v1s, he has struggled. Look at when Frimpong was up against him in the Liverpool game—he's not the quickest either, and he's not a natural defender.

"He's got three players in front of him who can all defend better. Looking forward to the summer, I think it might be a case of selling him, for PSR and all that, being a youth team player, it's pure profit. So, unfortunately, I think he might have to leave the club."

The academy prospect himself struck a more optimistic tone following his Champions League outing against Inter on Tuesday, suggesting he views each appearance as a chance to prove his worth.

"I think every time I get the chance to start, I see it as an opportunity," Lewis-Skelly told Amazon Prime. "Even when I come on, for me, it's just impacting the game and helping the team out in any way I can. And I'm glad I was able to help out today.

"All I can do is control the controllables. And every time I get the opportunity to play, as a team, the depth that we have as a squad is really strong. We all have that mentality that when we come in, we've got to do the job.

"It's so special [the spirit in the dressing room], so special. Honestly, this has been amazing [being] part of the team, and just the energy and everything like that, the harmony. It's really special to be a part of."