Former Arsenal star Mikael Silvestre has delivered a firm prediction regarding the future of young Gunners defender Myles Lewis-Skelly, insisting the teenager will not be departing the Emirates Stadium during the upcoming January transfer window.
Silvestre Dismisses Exit Talk Amid Chelsea Links
This week, surprising rumours emerged online suggesting Chelsea are among several Premier League clubs keeping a close watch on the 19-year-old left-back. These reports have surfaced despite Arsenal's clear position that the player is not available for sale and will not be sent out on a temporary loan deal.
Lewis-Skelly, a product of Arsenal's famed Hale End academy, committed his future to the club earlier this year by signing a new contract that runs until the summer of 2030. However, his first-team opportunities have been limited this season, with manager Mikel Arteta consistently selecting summer signing Riccardo Calafiori ahead of him. The teenager is yet to start a single Premier League game this term.
This lack of playing time has had a direct impact on his international prospects, costing him a place in Thomas Tuchel's latest England squad ahead of next year's World Cup. Despite this, Silvestre is adamant an exit is not on the cards.
"He Won't Go Anywhere" - Silvestre's Squad Depth Argument
In an interview with Esports Insider, the ex-France international laid out his reasoning, pointing to Arsenal's packed fixture list and trophy ambitions. "I don't see Myles Lewis-Skelly going anywhere between now and the end of the season," Silvestre stated definitively.
He acknowledged Arteta's current preference for Calafiori but highlighted the importance of squad depth. "While Mikel Arteta might currently favour Riccardo Calafiori as the starting left-back, he's been injured before and Arsenal can't afford to be short in any position, given the Premier League title is on the line," Silvestre explained.
"Arsenal are in all four competitions, they'll need to utilise every player at their disposal. When the games start coming thick and fast, their squad depth will be tested," he added, also noting that many squad members will have national team duties throughout the campaign, necessitating rotation.
Fabrizio Romano Confirms: No Loan or Permanent Move
Adding significant weight to Silvestre's prediction, renowned transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has comprehensively shut down the mounting speculation. Romano specifically addressed talk of a potential loan move to London rivals West Ham United or Crystal Palace.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano said, "There are always rumours about Lewis-Skelly. During the international break, rumours about loan, maybe Crystal Palace, maybe West Ham, go, play, World Cup – no chance. Arsenal don't want Lewis-Skelly to leave."
He then turned to the links with Chelsea, stating, "And there are rumours about Chelsea. Today in England, rumours about Chelsea considering a permanent transfer proposal for Myles Lewis-Skelly. Forget about that. Lewis-Skelly is Arsenal."
Romano emphasised the club's high regard for the young defender, revealing that Arsenal are "very happy" with him and see him as a "really, really, really important part of the squad." He concluded with a clear message: "He's part of the project. He's not leaving in January. Arsenal want to keep the player and trust the player. That's the message I am getting today from both, player side and club's side."
The consensus from both a club legend and a top-tier transfer insider is unequivocal: despite the swirling rumours and his limited minutes, Myles Lewis-Skelly is set to remain an Arsenal player as the club battles on multiple fronts in the second half of the season.
