Arsenal supporters, there’s a bit of an intriguing shake-up possibly on the horizon. The team might be looking at a midfield rethink soon, especially if Thomas Partey decides to move on. It’s like everything could suddenly shift, with young Myles Lewis-Skelly stepping up from his usual defensive role to something more central and creative.
The club isn’t standing still this summer. They’re reportedly close to signing Martin Zubimendi—a name that’s starting to buzz around—and there’s talk about Kepa Arrizabalaga potentially arriving as well. On top of that, finding a new striker remains a priority, with Viktor Gyokeres suddenly in the frame. So, behind the scenes, Arsenal are quietly assembling pieces that might reshape their lineup in some unexpected ways.
What Partey Leaving Could Mean for Arsenal
The buzz around Thomas Partey’s contract isn’t exactly quiet. Talks seem to have hit a snag, making his exit look like a real possibility. That’s no small matter—he’s been a mainstay in midfield. Layer on the fact that Jorginho has already moved on, and the Gunners could be feeling the pinch in terms of options in the engine room.
But, here’s where it gets interesting. Arsenal’s midfield isn’t bare. There’s Declan Rice, who’s been solid, and Mikel Merino ready to step up, plus the incoming Zubimendi who could slot right in. This blend might give manager Mikel Arteta enough to work with, without rushing to buy another massive mid-season replacement.
Also read: Alejandro Garnacho: Transfer Buzz and a Rocky End to the Season
So, what’s the plan then? It seems Arteta is eyeing a bit of a clever switch. Myles Lewis-Skelly, who’s mostly featured as left-back recently, might be nudged back into midfield. Before Arsenal’s coaches decided to push him down the flank, he was trained and built up as a midfielder. Could this be the next step in his evolution? Maybe, yes.
Lewis-Skelly: The Midfielder Just Waiting to Happen
For a while now, Myles Lewis-Skelly has been doing a decent job as left-back. But there’s a part of me that wonders if that’s not where his real potential lies. After all, he came through the ranks as a midfielder, not a full-back. Arsenal has options to cover left-back—with Oleksandr Zinchenko maybe taking the spot and Riccardo Calafiori possibly in the frame as well. This makes it easier for Arteta to consider moving Lewis-Skelly forward on the pitch.
A quick fact: Lewis-Skelly’s experience in Arsenal’s senior midfield is practically non-existent—just a single minute against Manchester City last season. But with Partey potentially on his way out, we might see that change dramatically. He’ll likely get more chances to run the midfield, which could add real depth and fresh energy to the squad.
Interestingly, William Saliba once called Lewis-Skelly a “scary” talent. That’s high praise from a teammate you’d expect to be honest. It hints at something special in this young player—a spark that could ignite if given the right role. A move to midfield might just bring out that fire.
Also read: Morgan Gibbs-White: On the Brink of a Big Move to Man City
A Thought on Arsenal’s Youth and Strategy
Partey leaving would definitely sting, no doubt about that. But sometimes losing a key player pushes a team to find new ways—new strengths. For Arsenal, it might mean trusting the youth more heavily and taking a chance on Lewis-Skelly. It’s a gamble, sure, but it’s one that could pay off big time.
Arteta’s track record with younger players suggests he’s not afraid to roll the dice when it comes to developing homegrown talent. These are times when clubs pinch pennies where they can, and getting value from academy players is a win-win—saving money while potentially unearthing a star.
This possible transition is kind of exciting. You never quite know how these positional changes will go. Sometimes, a player just clicks, and suddenly the whole team feels different. Lewis-Skelly’s move might be one of those moments, adding new dynamics to Arsenal’s play and offering fresh challenges to opponents.
So, in the end, this isn’t just about replacing Partey with another big name. It’s maybe about evolving — shifting pieces, trusting young players, and hoping to see new leaders emerge. Whether Lewis-Skelly can fully make that leap remains to be seen, but it’s definitely a storyline worth watching as Arsenal’s season gears up.
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