Forget Mikel Merino, Mikel Arteta must turn ‘outstanding’ Arsenal defender into complete midfielder and save millions in the transfer window

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While Arsenal continue to search for the ideal player to accompany Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard in midfield, they may actually have the right man in Mikel Arteta’s ranks already.

Thomas Partey is expected to leave the club when his contract expires at the end of the season, while Mikel Merino has flattered to deceive in a red and white shirt thus far.

While Partey will suffice for the rest of this season, the Gunners are clearly in need of a new player to step up and establish themselves as a dominant force in midfield.

Martin Zubimendi is expected to sign for Arsenal in the summer, although the Spaniard is unproven in the Premier League and another option in Arteta’s squad may prove to win the shirt in the long-term.

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Mikel Arteta should turn Myles Lewis-Skelly into a midfielder for Arsenal

Developing through the Hale End Academy as a midfielder, Myles Lewis-Skelly has been thrust into the first team limelight at left-back.

Despite excelling in this role, Arteta should be looking to use the teenager in his natural position in the long-run.

The aforementioned midfield issues ought to prompt the Arsenal boss to experiment with Lewis-Skelly in central areas before the end of this season, particularly if the Premier League title slips firmly out of the North Londoners’ reach.

Described as ‘outstanding’ by journalist James Benge, a surprise statistic suggests that Lewis-Skelly is one of the best passers in the Premier League, with his ball retention and ball progression abilities not in doubt.

These traits should translate seamlessly in a midfield role, while the starlet’s defensive nous has grown significantly whilst operating as a full-back.

He’s fully equipped to thrive in the middle of the park, with his press resistance and ability to draw fouls providing him with the perfect balance of attributes to become one of the best midfielders in the league.

With Partey and Jorginho leaving in the summer, and Merino flailing at the Emirates, the Gunners will be in the market for at least one midfielder in June.

However, if Lewis-Skelly is blooded as an eight or six alongside Rice and Odegaard at times in the remainder of this season, Arsenal’s transfer window approach could be changed, and they could end up saving huge amounts of money.

Additionally, Riccardo Calafiori is fit and available again, and can take the mantle from the 18-year-old at left-back.

Myles Lewis-Skelly’s statistics 2024/25

Lewis-Skelly is expected to earn an England call-up, with Thomas Tuchel likely to use him at left-back.

This does suggest that while moving him into midfield is an exciting proposition, he’s equally likely to thrive as a defender, which is a great indictment of his talent.

Statistically, Lewis-Skelly is putting up exceptional passing numbers, while he’s also registering elite defensive output, making almost four tackles and interceptions per 90 minutes.

If he remains grounded and the coaching staff at Arsenal continue to push him, then the sky is the limit for this wonderkid.