Is the midfield door open for Lewis-Skelly?

[Getty Images] It has never been a straightforward journey for Myles Lewis-Skelly into the Arsenal first team. The 19-year-old's development has been rapid since his breakthrough in the 2024-25 season - he took his chance when injury was rife in the Arsenal squad to become one of the best young full-backs in the Premier League. However, despite such a strong finish to his first campaign, last season was much more of a test for the teenager. It is important to note that the Gunners are moving closer to completing the signing of Newcastle captain Bruno Guimaraes for a fee which could be up to £80m - an arrival of that quality could put a barrier in front of Lewis-Skelly's route into the first team. But Lewis-Skelly's talent, ability and history at Arsenal will always have him as a contender for game time, and this season could present him with a clear run at starting for the Gunners in midfield. The World Cup's late finish and the number of Arsenal players involved in the tournament mean his competitors for a starting place are going to be behind him in match fitness. Captain Martin Odegaard, England midfielders Declan Rice and Eberechi Eze as well as Martin Zubimendi and Mikel Merino, who won the tournament with Spain, are all yet to join up fully with the Arsenal squad. Lewis-Skelly has started and impressed in pre-season friendlies against Girona and Real Betis, and the player is focused on working hard for his opportunities for in the upcoming campaign. Against Betis he was at the base of the Arsenal midfield and looked assured with the responsibility he was given as the deepest-lying midfielder. He showed his strength in bringing the ball upfield when Arsenal needed someone to progress play up the pitch. He also linked up well with Riccardo Calafiori, while Lewis-Skelly filled in at left-back when the Italian went on one of his adventurous runs forward. The Community Shield against Manchester City is in just nine days' time and Lewis-Skelly looks as though he is going to have the chance to show why he should have been given the nod in the Arsenal midfield sooner. Read more from Alex on Arsenal