The January transfer window might already have one Arsenal player thinking about his immediate future.
It seems bizarre to talk about the winter transfer market when the summer window closed less than two months ago.
In spite of that, talk is already starting to cause a stir at Arsenal with regard to possible exits.
Palmeiras are eager to sign Gabriel Jesus, as the striker is set to struggle to find a way back into the Arsenal squad, which is a situation that another player is facing right now.
Mikel Arteta has spoken about Myles Lewis-Skelly’s lack of game time this season, but just how far could the unpromised minutes go?
Djed Spence might be making Myles Lewis-Skelly think about his Arsenal future
It was only in June that Lewis-Skelly signed a long-term contract at Arsenal, making the idea of the Englishman leaving borderline comedic.
That being said, it has to be pondered whether a loan opportunity could be considered, as despite the player’s talent, his pathway to return to the starting XI is blocked.
At club level, Riccardo Calafiori is keeping Lewis-Skelly out of the starting line-up, but what is more of a concern is that a similar situation is now unfolding at international level.
After Lewis-Skelly was omitted from England’s squad to face Serbia during the September international break, the teenager has since slipped down the pecking order.
Thomas Tuchel has taken quite a liking to Djed Spence, who has leapfrogged the Arsenal academy product at left-back for the Three Lions.
As a result of slipping down the ranks for England and for Arsenal, Lewis-Skelly might be ready to consider his options in January, as game time is needed more than ever to get himself back amongst the first choice.
Spence doesn’t look as though he’s going to drop out of the England squad anytime soon, largely because of his impressive form for Tottenham.
The defender has been a revelation for the Lilywhites this season, which is the opposite of Lewis-Skelly’s situation at Arsenal, playing only 83 minutes in the Premier League so far.
Taking a glance at Spence could prompt Lewis-Skelly to explore the idea of a loan spell away from Arsenal in January, with the Spurs player taking on that challenge himself.
Spence has embarked on three loan spells since signing for Tottenham, spells away from his club that have led him to the heights he’s at today.
A loan spell could be pivotal for Lewis-Skelly to take back his crown, with the Arsenal starlet already receiving a warning from Tuchel if things don’t change.
Thomas Tuchel isn’t saving a World Cup spot for Lewis-Skelly
Being only 19, the need for an urgent solution for lack of game time seems trivial, but with the World Cup fast approaching, Lewis-Skelly will be feeling some pressure.
Speaking to the media after selecting his England squad for the October international break, Tuchel warned Lewis-Skelly that his place in the Three Lions’ camp was in jeopardy.
“It maybe becomes a problem for him, yes. To just be a good citizen in camp will not be enough over the course of a year,” Tuchel responded when asked about the teenager’s lack of minutes at Arsenal.
“He was a very good player in camp, a very good team-mate in camp. But to just be a good team-mate can maybe not be enough to stay the whole year with us.”
What will be a concern for Lewis-Skelly is that his situation at Arsenal doesn’t look as though it will get brighter anytime soon, largely due to Calafiori’s form.
Could Lewis-Skelly leave Arsenal on loan in January in search of more game time? The defender’s World Cup hopes might just rely on it.
Receive a digest of our best Arsenal content each week direct to your mailbox
