Real Madrid target Arsenal youngster Myles Lewis-Skelly as contract talks stall – The Guardian

Real Madrid have set their sights on one of England’s most exciting teenage talents — Arsenal prodigy Myles Lewis-Skelly — amid growing uncertainty over his contract situation at the Emirates Stadium, The Guardian reports.

The 17-year-old has been one of the breakout stars of the season, impressing both fans and pundits with his mature displays for Mikel Arteta’s side. Deployed primarily at left-back, Lewis-Skelly has showcased remarkable composure, strong positional awareness, and a technical ability far beyond his age.

His rise to prominence has been meteoric. Having spent years within Arsenal’s Hale End academy, Lewis-Skelly has made the transition to senior football look seamless. His calmness under pressure, defensive intelligence, and ability to contribute to attacking phases have seen him earn praise from within and outside the club.

Adding to his growing reputation, the youngster received a senior England call-up earlier this year, marking another significant milestone in a journey that seems destined for greatness. But despite his blossoming talent, contract negotiations between Arsenal and Lewis-Skelly’s representatives have reportedly reached an impasse.

With his current deal expiring in 2026, Arsenal had hoped to secure the long-term future of both Lewis-Skelly and fellow prospect Ethan Nwaneri. However, sources close to the club indicate that talks have stalled, leaving a window of opportunity for rival clubs to make their move.

Real Madrid, always alert to elite young talent across Europe, are now believed to be leading the race for Lewis-Skelly’s signature. Club president Florentino Pérez and manager Carlo Ancelotti are reportedly impressed by the teenager’s versatility and see him as a potential long-term investment — someone who could follow in the footsteps of Eduardo Camavinga, Jude Bellingham, and Arda Güler.

The Spanish giants are known for their aggressive pursuit of young stars before they reach superstardom. Having already built a promising generation of under-21 talent, Madrid view Lewis-Skelly as another gem who could shine in the white jersey at the Santiago Bernabéu.

According to reports, Madrid are prepared to offer a tempting financial package along with a clear development plan. The club’s record of nurturing young talent into global icons is well-documented, and it may prove difficult for the player and his camp to ignore such a compelling proposal.

At Arsenal, the mood is tense. The Gunners had projected Lewis-Skelly as a key figure in their future squad, someone who could evolve into a first-team regular or even take on multiple roles as needed. Losing him now would not only be a sporting blow but a symbolic one, especially considering the club’s renewed emphasis on youth development under Arteta.

Arteta has spoken publicly about the importance of retaining the club’s brightest academy graduates. While he remains hopeful that both Lewis-Skelly and Nwaneri will commit their futures to Arsenal, the longer the delay continues, the more vulnerable Arsenal become to predatory interest from Europe’s elite.

For Lewis-Skelly himself, the next decision will be career-defining. A move to Real Madrid could accelerate his growth but would also bring increased pressure and fierce competition for minutes. Staying at Arsenal, on the other hand, may offer more immediate playing time but potentially lower commercial exposure on the global stage.

Fans of both clubs have already begun speculating about the potential move. On social media, some Arsenal supporters have voiced their frustration at the club’s inability to swiftly wrap up the deal, while Madrid fans are excited at the thought of adding another future superstar to their youth-focused project.

The situation also raises broader questions about how top English clubs handle academy talent. In recent years, several high-profile youngsters have been poached by foreign clubs offering better terms and more ambitious development pathways. If Arsenal were to lose Lewis-Skelly under similar circumstances, it would highlight a recurring issue in English football’s talent pipeline.

It remains to be seen whether Arsenal will respond with a revised contract offer to keep Madrid at bay. The club’s technical director, Edu Gaspar, is believed to be personally involved in trying to resolve the situation, but time may not be on their side.

Meanwhile, Real Madrid continue to quietly monitor the situation. With the summer transfer window approaching, the Spanish club may accelerate their pursuit if Arsenal fail to make progress in the coming weeks.

The player’s agents have not made any public comments, but insiders suggest Lewis-Skelly is keeping all options open. While he has strong ties to Arsenal, the lure of playing in La Liga for one of the world’s biggest clubs is understandably compelling.

In the end, much will depend on how far Arsenal are willing to go to protect one of their crown jewels. For now, the Gunners face a real test of resolve — and Real Madrid are waiting to pounce.