England manager Thomas Tuchel has told Miles Lewis-Skelly that he needs more game time to be included in the World Cup squad as the Premier League club monitors his situation at Arsenal.
Lewis-Skelly was left out of the group to face Serbia and Albania, with Tuchel saying he is a great person and a valuable member of the team, but “just being a good tourist is not enough”.
The 19-year-old has only played 87 minutes in the Premier League so far this season and appears to have lost his place as Arsenal’s first-choice left-back to Riccardo Calafiori.
Lewis-Skelly also faces competition from summer signing Piero Hincapie, who was preferred as a left-back in Arsenal’s recent Champions League win over Slavia Prague.
Many Premier League clubs are keeping a close eye on Louis Skelly’s situation this season, given he has only made seven substitute appearances in all competitions.
However, Arsenal have no intention of selling players in the January transfer window as they compete for four major titles, with Louis Skelly recently signing a new five-year contract.
There are also no immediate financial constraints for Arsenal, but a sale would represent a 100 per cent profit from a Profit and Sustainability Regulation (PSR) perspective, as Louis Skelly is a product of the club’s academy.
Lewis-Skelly was one of last season’s breakout stars, starting regularly for Arsenal in the second half of the season and scoring on his England debut against Albania in March.
Miles Lewis-Skelly has only started in Arsenal’s Champions League and Carabao Cup games this season.
He has won a further five caps for his country and started five of the last eight games, but Tuchel has selected Nico O’Reilly for his latest squad following his impressive performances as a left-back at Manchester City.
“Miles is a very good team-mate and he played for us in the final World Cup qualifying camp in Riga, as did Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Morgan Gibbs-White,” Tuchel said after the squad was announced.
“But last time I said there was an element to it, it was about competition and performance, and the door was always open to players who perform at a high level on a regular basis.
“Myles, Reuben and Morgan outperformed O’Reilly, Alex Scott and Jude Bellingham in their respective positions.
“Myles needs more starts and more minutes.
“We’re at a point where O’Reilly has made a lot of starts at this position, so he’s a little ahead of the curve this camp.”
Analysis: Arsenal don’t plan to be busy this January
Arsenal currently have a long injury list up front
Dharmesh Sheth of Sky Sports News:
Premier League leaders Arsenal don’t expect a busy January unless there is a serious long-term injury or a unique market opportunity.
January is not a normal period for Arsenal. The last time they signed a player in January was in 2023, when they added Leandro Trossard, Jorginho and Jakub Kiviol.
In January 2025, they attempted to sign Ollie Watkins from Aston Villa, but decided not to proceed with the deal due to price and the impact on their summer plans.
Overall, Arsenal, like many big clubs, see January as a period of reaction. Clubs focus on summer recruitment and plan two to three years in advance.
In addition, Arsenal currently have injuries to Victor Gokeres, Gabriel Martinelli, captain Martin Odegaard, Noni Madueke, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus, all of whom are close to returning.
Some may also be available after the international break.
Manager Mikel Arteta has indicated that Jesus, who returned to training last week, will be a key part of his plans and a departure is seen as unlikely.
A number of Premier League clubs would be interested in signing him on loan, but it seems unlikely that he will be available.
Everton prioritize striker in January – can they sign Jesus?
Gabriel Jesus has been injured since January
The latest from Rob Dorsett and Lyall Thomas on Sky Sports News:
Everton have prioritized signing a striker in January, preferably one with a different profile to Beto or Tierno Barrie.
Manager David Moyes also wants to sign players with Premier League experience, with loans also being considered, but both Moyes and the club are aware of how difficult the season will be in January.
Gabriel Jesus’ name has been in the spotlight, with Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta saying last week that he remains a key part of his plans as the Brazilian returns to training after a long-term injury.
Ivan Toney, who currently plays in Saudi Arabia, has attracted the attention of a number of Premier League clubs, with Everton also thought to be one of the clubs looking into his situation.
Manchester United’s Josh Zirkzee is another player Everton would be keen on if his current club were to sign him, but there is no indication at this stage that this is a possibility.
