Arsenal are planning a major midfield makeover this summer as both Thomas Partey and Jorginho are coming to the end of their contracts. While the club has been heavily linked with Real Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi, Mikel Arteta already has perfect cover on hand – highly talented Myles Lewis-Skelly.
Having featured five and three seasons respectively, Partey and Jorginho will be departing, having made a combined 239 appearances for Arsenal. Their departure leaves the midfield short, with only Declan Rice and Mikel Merino on offer as senior central options. Although players like Oleksandr Zinchenko and Jurrien Timber can feature in midfield, their positions will be more crucial at the back this season.
Myles Lewis-Skelly: Arsenal's Next Midfield Star?
Enter Myles Lewis-Skelly, the Hale End product who's fast becoming a solution to a large problem. Having just flourished under Mikel Arteta, the 18-year-old is demonstrating he has the composure, athleticism, and versatility needed at the highest level. Notably, he scored on his England debut and played a pivotal role in Arsenal's record-breaking return to the Champions League final – even while deputizing at left-back.
Despite restricted Premier League minutes, Lewis-Skelly has made an impact:
| Stat | Output | Squad Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Appearances | 17 | =14th |
| Goals | 1 | =14th |
| Tackles Per Game | 1.2 | =7th |
| Dribbles Per Game | 0.7 | =7th |
| Match Rating | 6.46 | =17th |
These stats show a player growing in dependability and assurance – not a poor record for a teen learning championship football.
A Masterstroke on the Cheap
Replacing Jorginho and Partey would have cost Arsenal millions on the transfer market. The pair, reportedly, are worth a combined £310,000 per week – a figure that Arsenal can now potentially redistribute elsewhere. If Lewis-Skelly does switch to a regular midfield role with Rice and Martin Ødegaard, he may release even more attacking liberty for Rice – offering Arteta's side a fresh tactical dynamic.
Although Martin Zubimendi has been graded as the ideal temporary fix, growing interest from Real Madrid could see Arsenal priced out of a transaction. In such a case, relying on their academy sensation could well turn out to be a blessing in disguise.
A Generational Talent on the Rise
With 34 games for the first team already under his belt this season, Myles Lewis-Skelly is showing all the characteristics of a generation player. There is also a wealth of cover at left-back at Arsenal, with Riccardo Calafiori, Zinchenko, Timber, and Takehiro Tomiyasu capable of playing there – again leaving Lewis-Skelly available for a central midfield spot.
With front-line and attacking positions having to make do without recruits, and budget savings on a high-salary midfielder a possibility, it can be an astute triumph. And if Lewis-Skelly keeps climbing the ladder, he might not just be an understudy – but Arsenal's midfield future.
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