If Arsenal lift the Premier League or Champions League trophy in May, Mikel Arteta will point to his “immense squad depth” as the catalyst. Following a summer spending spree by Andrea Berta and the Kroenkes, the Gunners’ roster is now arguably the deepest in Europe.
From the marquee arrival of Viktor Gyokeres to defensive reinforcements like Piero Hincapie and Cristian Mosquera, every position has been doubled or even tripled—up. But while this “luxury” is winning games, it is claiming a high-profile victim: Myles Lewis-Skelly.
From “Special” to Spectator
It feels like a lifetime ago that Lewis-Skelly was the talk of European football. Last season, injuries to Riccardo Calafiori and Oleksandr Zinchenko forced the teenager into the spotlight, and he didn’t just survive he thrived.
The 19-year-old earned rave reviews after pocketing world-class wingers in back-to-back Champions League clashes against Real Madrid and PSG. Rio Ferdinand, mesmerized by his composure at the Bernabeu, dubbed him “special.” Dubbed a “future captain” by club insiders, Lewis-Skelly looked like the next homegrown icon in the making.
The Numbers Don’t Lie
Fast forward to the 2025/26 campaign, and that “special” trajectory has hit a brick wall. The arrival of Hincapie and the sustained fitness of Calafiori have relegated the England international to the fringes of the first team.
Arsenal’s Defender Minutes (2025/26):
- Jurrien Timber: 2,736 mins
- Riccardo Calafiori: 1,620 mins
- Piero Hincapie: 1,389 mins
- Myles Lewis-Skelly: 1,207 mins (Mostly in cup games)
In 2026, Lewis-Skelly has seen just 33 minutes of Premier League action. He has gone from starting at the Bernabeu to hoping for a start against Wigan Athletic in the FA Cup.
The Arteta Dilemma
Arteta’s ruthless squad building has successfully moved Arsenal past the days of Shkodran Mustafi and Rob Holding, creating a backline that has kept 21 clean sheets this term. However, it raises a uncomfortable question: Is the path for Hale End graduates now blocked?
While Ethan Nwaneri continues to fight for scraps, Lewis-Skelly’s stagnation is a warning sign. He is too good to be a “third-choice” left-back, yet not experienced enough to displace the world-class veterans Arteta now relies on.
Arsenal may win the league, but they risk losing a generational talent in the process. If Lewis-Skelly doesn’t see a clear path to the starting XI soon, that “future captain” armband might eventually be worn in a different jersey.
Siara Costa is a football editor and writer covering both European men’s and women’s football, with a focus on league competitions, match coverage, and in-depth storytelling.
