Arsenal icon thinks Mikel Arteta will sell player compared to Wayne Rooney

Arsenal could see a departure from the Emirates this summer, with one star having a difficult season despite earning praise from England boss Thomas Tuchel and drawing Wayne Rooney comparisons

Former Arsenal striker Alan Smith reckons there is 'every chance' that Gunners youngster Myles Lewis-Skelly will leave the Emirates this summer. The 19-year-old emerged as a regular in Mikel Arteta's side last season but has found game time more challenging to secure this term.

The adaptable midfielder has predominantly operated at left-back in the senior setup and even earned selection for the England squad under Thomas Tuchel. The German manager has heaped praise on the teenage talent and previously said he'd 'fallen in love' with the star.

"Amazing player. Amazing personality," Tuchel said back in March 2025. "He came into camp and showed straight away that it's normal to fall in love with him. It is well deserved."

Lewis-Skelly featured 42 times for Arsenal last season and even attracted comparisons to Wayne Rooney. Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher described the youngster as 'spectacular at full-back' and possessing 'football arrogance' that mirrored Rooney and England colleague Jude Bellingham following his impressive display against Real Madrid last year.

However, the summer witnessed Arsenal recruit defender Pierio Hincapie on loan, providing extra cover to Riccardo Calafiori on the left flank of defence. Lewis-Skelly has managed just one Premier League start in 2025/26 but has remained a fixture in Europe.

Nonetheless, with his prospects of an England World Cup call-up appearing remote, Smith believes the teenage talent could be seeking a transfer in the summer.

"It's been a really difficult season for Myles Lewis-Skelly, hasn't it? He's behind two players, really, for the left-back slot," Smith told BestBettingSites.

"If he did get a chance, I'd quite like to see him in midfield. That's his position. Just see how he fares there. He's not the best of defenders, so it suits him better in midfield. He's really creative.

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"I think it'll probably be a shop window for him. I think there's every chance he might leave in the summer. We'll see on that."

Lewis-Skelly remains under contract with Arsenal until 2030 after penning fresh terms in June 2025, following his breakthrough campaign. Speaking after putting pen to paper on that deal, he said: "I'm so proud and happy. I know those words are simple, but I think they sum up how I feel signing for this club. I'm a fan and it's like a dream come true.

"I've embodied the values of Hale End and come through. I've still got a lot of years ahead of me, so if I can keep staying humble and being a good person, that's the most important thing to me.

"I know I've taken a lot of experience from the games about the positive moments, the mistakes that I've made. I'm definitely more ready now for the next season. I just want to keep learning and keep improving."

The academy graduate may yet secure additional playing time before the campaign concludes as Arsenal pursue silverware in the Premier League, Champions League, Carabao Cup and FA Cup.