Arsenal set hardline Myles Lewis-Skelly transfer stance for January window

Arsenal defender Myles Lewis-Skelly is still yet to start a match in the Premier League this season after penning a new contract during the summer

Arsenal will not consider offers for Myles Lewis-Skelly - loan or permanent proposals - during the January transfer window.

The England international has been told by Three Lions boss Thomas Tuchel that he needs regular minutes if he's to force his way into the German's World Cup squad.

While Lewis-Skelly remains second in command to Riccardo Calafiori at this moment in time, he's still considered a valuable member of Mikel Arteta's squad.

The games are now coming thick and fast for Arsenal and the past two seasons have provided living proof that injuries can quickly change the picture.

If Calafiori was to get injured, Lewis-Skelly would likely be drafted in as the Italian's replacement, even though Piero Hincapie has also been utilised at full-back.

It should not be forgotten that last season, the 19-year-old dazzled in both Champions League quarter-finals against Real Madrid, underlining Arteta's faith in the defender.

He also started both legs of the semi-final defeat to Paris Saint-Germain and there were even rumblings at the end of last season that Los Blancos were eyeing a swoop for the teen.

There is confidence within Arsenal that more opportunities will soon follow, particularly given the Gunners will be juggling Premier League, Champions League, Carabao Cup and FA Cup football in 2026.

The league leaders have two League Cup semi-final ties against Chelsea on the horizon and it's going to be a tall ask for the team to maintain form across all four competitions.

It means that even if clubs pick up the phone to inquire about Lewis-Skelly, they will be told under no uncertain terms that he is not available.

Arsenal know better than anyone that even if their squad looks bloated when every player if fit, every player is still required.

There have been so many instances in recent times where their numbers have quickly become depleted over the course of a couple of weeks.

Even now, Gabriel Magalhaes, Cristhian Mosquera and Ben White are all absent and the club's backline is being stretched to its limits.

Hincapie also missed the Carabao Cup quarter-final penalty shootout triumph over Crystal Palace, which is a worry ahead of Saturday's clash with Brighton.

Arteta was tight-lipped on the Ecuador international's condition following the victory but he's believed to have picked up a shoulder problem in the opening exchanges of the win at Everton when he collided with Calafiori.