Updated: 6 May 2026 18:37 BST |
5 min read
Arsenal are being urged to reconsider the potential summer sale of Myles Lewis-Skelly after the midfielder helped his side reach their first Champions League final in 20 years with victory over Atletico Madrid on Tuesday.
The Gunners continued their push to win Europe’s premier club competition for the first time with a 1-0 win over Atletico in the second leg of their semi-final clash, with Mikel Arteta’s side advancing to the final 2-1 on aggregate following a 1-1 draw in the reverse leg in Madrid.
And Arsenal, who were beaten by Barcelona in the 2006 showpiece, were aided by the performance of Lewis-Skelly, who was handed a starting berth ahead of Martin Zubimendi for Atletico’s visit to the Emirates Stadium.
After producing a brilliant midfield display in Arsenal’s superb 3-0 Premier League victory over Fulham last Saturday, Lewis-Skelly retained his place in the starting lineup against Diego Simeone’s Atletico.
And the 19-year-old crafted another composed performance against the La Liga outfit, completing 90 per cent (44/49) of his attempted passes and winning all of his aerial duels (3/3) before being substituted after 74 minutes.
Following two impressive showings in the middle of the park, Arsenal fans have since taken to social media to plead with the club’s hierarchy to rethink the possibility of allowing Lewis-Skelly to leave this summer.
Lewis-Skelly linked with Arsenal exit due to limited opportunities
Emerging through a famed youth system which has produced the likes of Bukayo Saka, Ethan Nwaneri and Max Dowman of late, Lewis-Skelly enjoyed a breakout season in 2024-25.
Catching the eye in an unfamiliar left-back role, the academy graduate made 39 appearances in all competitions last season, with the highlight being a fantastic performance in the 2-1 Champions League victory at Real Madrid.
However, Lewis-Skelly has had his chances limited this term, with Riccardo Calafiori and Piero Hincapie – who joined Arsenal from Bayer Leverkusen last summer – now viewed as the club’s main two left-backs.
Such has been the lack of opportunities afforded to Lewis-Skelly in 2025-26 that BBC Sport reported just last month that Arsenal are prepared to listen to offers for the England international this summer.
But after reminding supporters what he can do in his preferred midfield role against Fulham and Atletico, the Arsenal faithful are hoping Lewis-Skelly will remain in red and white beyond the current campaign.
Arteta, pls Lewis-Skelly must stay.
He’s not going anywhere
— Pelumi (@King_Pelsmart) May 5, 2026
Writing on X, @King_Pelsmart said: “Arteta, pls Lewis-Skelly must stay. He’s not going anywhere.”
Lewis skelly, you’re going nowhere.
Here to stay❤️
— isaiah.dev (@isaiahcodes_) May 5, 2026
Echoing the same thought, @isaiahcodes_ wrote: “Lewis-Skelly, you’re going nowhere. Here to stay.”
We can’t let Lewis Skelly leave bro. Big disgrace if he’s gone for any reason. Has to be given a fair chance in the team it can’t be another Emi Leno type beat with Zubimendi
— free hale end (@dragapuItt) May 5, 2026
And finally, @dragapultt wrote: “We can’t let Lewis-Skelly leave bro. Big disgrace if he’s gone for any reason. Has to be given a fair chance in the team it can’t be another Emi [Martinez], [Bernd] Leno type beat with Zubimendi.”
While it remains to be seen where Lewis-Skelly’s long-term future lies, Arsenal fans will be hoping he is fit for Sunday’s crunch clash with West Ham United as the club aim to move one step closer to winning the Premier League for the first time in 22 years.
After pulling up with a knock with just over 15 minutes to go in the momentous win over Atletico, Lewis-Skelly was subsequently replaced by Spain international Zubimendi.
Arsenal are currently five points clear of Manchester City in the Premier League title race, though Pep Guardiola’s side – who entertain high-flying Brentford on Saturday – have a game in hand.
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