Chelsea FC are reportedly interested in signing Myles Lewis-Skelly from Arsenal, who has been made available for transfer despite signing a new contract last summer. The 19-year-old midfielder has been a key player for Arsenal's youth team and has started every pre-season fixture as a defensive midfielder.
What happened?
According to reports, Arsenal have made Lewis-Skelly available for transfer, with Chelsea FC and Manchester United reportedly interested in signing him. Lewis-Skelly has been playing in both midfield and left-back positions, and his versatility could make him an attractive signing for Chelsea FC.
Why it matters for Chelsea FC
Chelsea FC have already spent big this summer to sign Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa, and another big fee for a Premier League star could open the door for Enzo Fernandez to leave. Lewis-Skelly's signing could also provide competition for Jorrel Hato in the left-back position.
What comes next?
Chelsea FC are currently 10th in the Premier League table, 33 points behind leaders Arsenal. They have scored 58 goals and conceded 52 this season, with a goal difference of +6. The team is currently without several key players, including Jordan Henderson, Aarón Anselmino, Levi Colwill, and Mamadou Sarr.
League standing (final 2025 table -- new season not yet under way): 10th in Premier League, 52 pts, 14W-10D-14L from 38 games, recent form LWDLL.
The transfer window is set to close soon, and Chelsea FC will need to make a decision on whether to pursue Lewis-Skelly or look elsewhere for reinforcements. With the team's current form and the upcoming fixtures, it will be interesting to see how Chelsea FC's transfer plans unfold.
Currently sidelined: Jordan Henderson, Aarón Anselmino, Levi Colwill, Mamadou Sarr.
Lewis-Skelly has started every pre-season fixture as a defensive midfielder, and his displays have been inconsistent. However, he has performed brilliantly in the left eight position towards the end of last season, which earned him a starting berth in the Champions League final.
Goals this season: 58 scored, 52 conceded (+6 goal difference).
Chelsea FC have already poached Ayden Heaven and Chido Obi from Arsenal's academy, and Lewis-Skelly could be the third player to join in a few years. From Chelsea's perspective, it is understood that if a lucrative proposal was to be submitted by the Blues, their London rivals would find it difficult to reject it.
Title race: 33 points behind leaders Arsenal.
Lewis-Skelly would be more likely to play in midfield consistently under Xabi Alonso, with Jorrel Hato able to play at left-back and Pep Chavarria set to join from Rayo Vallecano following Marc Cucurella's move to Real Madrid. The transfer saga is ongoing, and it remains to be seen whether Chelsea FC will be able to secure Lewis-Skelly's signature.
