Manchester United legend Paul Scholes has urged Arsenal to sell Martin Zubimendi in order to hand Myles Lewis-Skelly a more prominent role in central midfield. Speaking on the latest episode of The Overlap Fan Debate, Scholes argued that the Spain international should be the one to make way, despite his impressive debut season in English football.
Lewis-Skelly's resurgence in midfield
Lewis-Skelly, 20, endured a frustrating 2025-26 campaign, starting just one Premier League game before April. However, he forced his way back into the side during the title run-in, starting in midfield in key wins over Fulham and West Ham United in May. He also impressed in the Champions League semi-final victory over Atletico Madrid and kept his place for the final against Paris Saint-Germain in Budapest.
With Mikel Arteta preferring Riccardo Calafiori and Piero Hincapie at left-back, Lewis-Skelly's resurgence came in central midfield, a position where competition has intensified following the arrival of Bruno Guimaraes. The squad already includes Declan Rice, Martin Odegaard, Mikel Merino, and Zubimendi, raising doubts about the youngster's future.
Scholes backs Lewis-Skelly over Zubimendi
Zubimendi enjoyed a strong first season in England but struggled towards the end of a draining campaign, with only David Raya and Rice racking up more minutes. Lewis-Skelly replaced the Spain international in those crucial fixtures, and Scholes believes that should become a permanent change.
'I prefer Myles Lewis-Skelly in centre midfield to Zubimendi,' Scholes said. 'I think Zubimendi struggled last year. If there's one player you are going to get rid of, it would be him [Martin Zubimendi]. The problem I've got with this left back role is that [Mikel] Arteta last year basically played four centre-halves last season.'
Transfer speculation and Arteta's response
Reports have suggested Lewis-Skelly has been offered to both Chelsea and Manchester United, with United first credited with interest back in January. Michael Carrick is reportedly eager to sign a left-back and a midfielder – two positions Lewis-Skelly can cover. The 20-year-old is under contract until 2030.
Lewis-Skelly scored in Arsenal's friendly win over Como on Wednesday, celebrating by making a heart shape with his hands towards the crowd at the Emirates. However, Arteta remained tight-lipped about the midfielder's future after the game, insisting: 'I'm not going to talk about any speculation. If there is a speculation about our players, that's a good sign. That means that we attract attention and they're doing a good job.'
