Why Myles Lewis-Skelly is Chelsea's perfect summer signing

Updated: 11 Aug 2026 17:32 BST | 5 min read

Cameron Smith | Digital Content Producer

Accredited sports journalist covering football since 2020

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Arsenal are reportedly willing to sell Myles Lewis-Skelly this summer and Chelsea have been offered the chance to sign him before the transfer window closes on 1 September.

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The England international fell down the left-back pecking order in north London last season, but he replaced Martin Zubimendi in Mikel Arteta’s preferred midfield trio by the end of the campaign and he was one of Arsenal’s standout performers during their defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final.

Current ETV

Myles Lewis-Skelly

D (L), M (C)

Arsenal

Myles Lewis-Skelly

D (L), M (C)

Arsenal

ETV Range

€37.7M - €46.1M

Despite this, Arsenal are open to selling Lewis-Skelly following the signing of Newcastle United captain Bruno Guimaraes for €87.5m, as per a report from Football.London. In addition, the 19-year-old has been offered to both Chelsea and Manchester United, with the two Premier League giants now contemplating a bid.

Lewis-Skelly, who spent time in Chelsea’s academy as a youngster, has been on the Blues’ radar for several years and it’s understood that Xabi Alonso’s side are likely to explore a possible deal after being informed that Arsenal are willing to sanction a sale.

It remains to be seen how much the Gunners will demand to permit a transfer, but there are several reasons why Chelsea should seriously consider reaching an agreement to bring Lewis-Skelly across London.

© IMAGO - Arsenal are open to selling Myles Lewis-Skelly

Why Chelsea should sign Myles Lewis-Skelly

First of all, Lewis-Skelly is an exceptional talent and at just 19 years old, he is yet to even reach the peak of his powers. He is undoubtedly an excellent left-back, but his best role is in the middle of the park, where he can utilise his world-class ball-carrying ability and physical strength.

The teenager is tactically adept, having played multiple roles during his short first-team career to date, and his athleticism is a key attribute given the nature of Premier League midfield battles.

The allure of ‘pure-profit’ is certainly a crucial reason why Arsenal are willing to consider a sale and while they may demand a hefty fee to sanction a deal, Lewis-Skelly would immediately improve Xabi Alonso’s squad at Stamford Bridge.

Of course, his potential arrival at Chelsea would likely result in summer signing Valentin Barco being sent out on loan for the 2026-27 season, but that may actually be hugely beneficial for all parties.

Furthermore, Lewis-Skelly would certainly be an upgrade on Romeo Lavia and Dario Essugo, while he would provide Alonso with another excellent midfield option, alongside Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez and Reece James.

The England star has all the tools required to become one of the best midfielders in world football and if Chelsea are able to pick him up this summer, it would go down as a spectacular piece of business, especially considering the issues they have faced in midfield during pre-season.

Lewis-Skelly’s progressive passing is an underrated attribute of his and he is one of the best in world football at carrying the ball through the centre of the pitch while holding off opponents at will. Alongside Caicedo, he could form an immense midfield duo.

© IMAGO - Myles Lewis-Skelly has been on Chelsea's radar for several years

Signing Myles Lewis-Skelly would be a major coup

When Lewis-Skelly was re-introduced into the Arsenal starting XI in a midfield role at the back-end of last season, the Gunners had experienced a serious wobble. Manchester City were gaining ground at breakneck speed and it looked as though the title may be slipping away from their grasp.

In response, Arteta dropped Martin Zubimendi to the substitutes bench and turned to Lewis-Skelly. He subsequently played 90 minutes during the resounding 3-0 win over Fulham, the narrow 1-0 victory against West Ham United and the final-day triumph over Crystal Palace.

During that spell, he was arguably Arsenal’s most influential player and to bring him to Stamford Bridge this summer would therefore be a major coup for Chelsea as they look to challenge for major honours once again next term.

Of course, it would be a grave error on Arsenal’s part, a sentiment shared by the vast majority of fans on social media, but it would be one of the best signings in Chelsea’s recent history if they are able to finalise a shock deal before the end of the window.