Arsenal are quickly warming to the idea of loaning out Myles Lewis-Skelly next season, with Everton positioned to secure what has been described as a “jackpot” deal. The 19-year-old academy graduate has struggled for regular opportunities at Arsenal despite being ready for first-team football. He already has six caps for England to his name and would be a guaranteed starter at the vast majority of Premier League sides, but is not even the primary backup at Arsenal.
Arsenal possess the strongest squad in the Premier League and remain on course to win a historic quadruple. There are not many downsides to boasting the deepest squad in the division, but one comes in the form of struggling to give high-calibre players a satisfactory amount of action. Mikel Arteta has generally selected Riccardo Calafiori or Piero Hincapie in the left-back position this term.
Both have performed to an exceedingly high standard, and it has recently been confirmed Hincapie’s loan will be turned permanent in the summer. With two excellent options to call upon, Lewis-Skelly has had to make do with warming the bench.
Everton register interest in Myles Lewis-Skelly loan
The Telegraph recently named Lewis-Skelly as one of five Gunners stars the club would consider selling in the summer to secure a lucrative sale before launching another mammoth spend. However, a more likely scenario is Lewis-Skelly is simply loaned out for the 2026/27 campaign to ensure his development can continue at a rapid rate.
That is where Everton enter the equation, with the Toffees in the market for a new left-back at season’s end. TEAMtalk can confirm Everton are feverishly attempting to tie Vitaliy Mykolenko down to a new and improved contract, with his current terms expiring in the summer. But despite several months of talks, no new agreement has been finalised.
Lewis-Skelly could fill the void if the Ukraine international departs, and in truth, he would probably represent an upgrade. The latest from Football Insider has talked up a loan exit for Lewis-Skelly, with the report’s headline reading: “Everton to hit the jackpot as Arsenal prepare to accept Myles Lewis-Skelly offer.”
Arsenal prepared to sanction Lewis-Skelly departure
Everton registered their interest in the teenager back in the January window, but Arsenal were not prepared to diminish their options part-way through a campaign that looks destined for great things. Given a direct replacement would not be arriving at the same time, it made no sense to deprive Arteta of a valuable option in a season in which they are fighting for trophies on four fronts.
It could be a different story come the summer. Football Insider doubled down on claims Arsenal would be ready to accept a loan exit. The move would benefit all parties, allowing Lewis-Skelly to gain crucial first-team experience while Arsenal maintain control over his long-term future.
Lewis-Skelly frustrated with lack of opportunities
Regarding the player’s stance, journalist Pete O’Rourke recently suggested Lewis-Skelly would be on board with a move given he has grown “frustrated” with his lack of opportunities this year. The teenager clearly possesses the quality to compete at Premier League level but needs regular minutes to continue his development.
Everton under David Moyes would offer him that platform. The Toffees need a solution at left-back and Lewis-Skelly fits their requirements perfectly. Arsenal would benefit from seeing their academy product gain valuable experience in a competitive environment while retaining him for the future. The coming months will determine whether this loan move materialises, but all signs point toward a deal that suits everyone involved.
