Real Madrid keeps a close eye on Arsenal’s most promising youngster, Myles Lewis-Skelly, as uncertainty casts a difficult future for the left-back position under new head coach Xabi Alonso.
According to The Guardian (via ESPN), the Spanish Giant was very interested in the 18-year-old and despite the inappropriate game, he named himself in Arsenal.
Natural midfielder Lewis-Skelly has been in the left-back role this season and has quickly become an outstanding performer.
Real Madrid hits at the right time
His adaptability and maturity have earned him more than 40 appearances in Arsenal, where he scored a goal and three assists.
His rise also did not get any attention at the international level, as he received the reward of the Advanced Summons in England.
The timing of interest in Real Madrid is no coincidence. Lewis-Skelly's contract with Arsenal lasts until 2026, but talks about renewal are reportedly stalling.
There is no significant progress in negotiations, and pressure from Arsenal has put him in trouble or else it may lose one of his smartest prospects.
Real Madrid's defensive strengthening
From Madrid's perspective, the left-back position is still unresolved. Ferland Mendy, while defensive and reliable when fit, was hampered by repeated damage and did not provide the offensive abilities that modern defenders usually need.
Mendy can be considered a backup option under possible tactical settings for Alonso. Meanwhile, Fran Garcia, while more suited to Alonso's style, did not fully trust the club's decision makers.
The acquisition of Alvaro Carreras offers depth, but there is a sense that Madrid needs depth in the field, tactically flexible and ready to develop into a complete player. That's where Lewis-Skelly fits into the bill.
The 18-year-old showed impressive football IQ, position awareness and work ethics, and all qualities were cherished.
If Real Madrid succeeded in luring him out of north London, it represents both a strategic coup and a step toward the lack of a long-term stable position since Marcelo's departure.