Myles Lewis-Skelly: Everton must take opportunity as talent’s Arsenal future now in serious doubt

Myles Lewis-Skelly is being targeted by Everton and several other clubs ahead of this summer, with his Arsenal future in doubt.

The 19-year-old made a rare appearance on Saturday as the Gunners were dumped out of the FA Cup by Southampton.

The Championship side won 2-1 at St Mary’s Stadium courtesy of goals from Ross Stewart and Shea Charles, with Viktor Gyokeres’ equaliser ultimately proving meaningless.

The winning goal would ultimately come from the area in which Lewis-Skelly had been situated, with Riccardo Calafiori failing to cut out Tom Fellows’ run.

Everton transfer chiefs have reportedly been monitoring the England international’s situation at Arsenal, with a move potentially on the cards this summer.

Everton handed big chance to sign Myles Lewis-Skelly

Football Insider exclusively revealed in March that Lewis-Skelly could push to leave Arsenal this summer amid frustration over his lack of game time.

The left-back broke through last season but has struggled for minutes in this campaign, starting just one Premier League match and failing to appear in the last 10.

After an extremely positive international break with England’s Under-21s, Lewis-Skelly looked set to return to the Arsenal team with a spring in his step.

The 19-year-old was started for the first time since mid-February, but he did not look up to the pace.

After failing to leave much of an impression, the defender was hooked at the hour mark and may not even start again this season should Calafiori avoid injuries, and Piero Hincapie return in good time.

If Lewis-Skelly was not already considering his future in the summer, he certainly will be now.

Everton will have to move fast if they are to take advantage, with any signal of the left-back’s intention to leave likely to attract plenty of suitors.

Lewis-Skelly situation bears similarities to Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain

Throughout his time in the academy, Lewis-Skelly was a midfielder, attracting attention for his ability to carry the ball.

When Arteta brought him into the first team last season, he utilised that, allowing the 19-year-old to drift inside from left-back and pick up the ball in the middle.

This season, however, it has become increasingly clear that the defender is lacking in the other traits needed to play on the left of defence.

Lewis-Skelly is evidently awaiting his chance in midfield, but it remains to be seen whether that chance is coming.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain faced a similar situation in 2017, when he left Arsenal for Liverpool to play in midfield after Arsene Wenger had insisted on using him as a right-back.

The Gunners cannot afford to make the same mistake with Lewis-Skelly and let a talented player slip through their fingers.

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