Gabby Agbonlahor was left bemused by a caller who claimed Arsenal star Myles Lewis-Skelly is a future Ballon d’Or winner.
Lewis-Skelly was a first-team regular for the Gunners in the 2024/25 season, establishing himself as first-choice left-back for Mikel Arteta’s men.
However, the youngster lost his starting spot to Riccardo Calafiori last season, while Piero Hincapie made more league starts on the left side of defence than the 19-year-old as Arsenal ended a 22-year wait to win the Premier League.
The England international ultimately played a key role as the Gunners pipped Manchester City to top spot, impressing in midfield in the final weeks.
Even so, Lewis-Skelly has been linked with a summer exit following the arrival of Bruno Guimaraes from Newcastle.
talkSPORT understands that the player has been offered out to a number of Premier League clubs this summer.
One caller, though, can’t understand why Arsenal would be willing to let Lewis-Skelly leave, even branding the teenager a future Ballon d’Or winner.
“I can’t see why Arsenal would wanna let go, in my opinion, a future Ballon d’Or winner,” the caller, Kieran, said on Breakfast on Wednesday.
“Pardon!?” was Agbonlahor’s immediate response.
“I think he’ll be a future Ballon d’Or winner,” Kieran replied.
To which Gabby, again, replied: “Pardon!?”
The Lewis-Skelly aficionado elaborated: “I can’t see a player at 19 years old, in the centre of midfield, that conducts the game the way he does!
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“In the big games, he’s clutch! We cannot afford to let him go.”
At that point, Kieran lost signal, which the returning Alan Brazil picked up on: “Oh! Sorry Kieran! We’ve lost you there.”
Agbonlahor continued: “Talking that much nonsense, his phone network’s said: ‘Alright, that’ll do you mate!”
Arteta address MLS speculation
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta was asked about Lewis-Skelly’s future following their pre-season friendly win over Italian outfit Como in the week.
Lewis-Skelly’s celebration during the penalty shoot-out win heightened rumours he could leave the Emirates this summer.
Arteta, though, refused to draw on speculation surrounding the Arsenal star, stating: “He’s a very emotional player. Remember when he did all the gestures on the pitch. I am not going to talk about any speculation.
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“If there is any speculation about our players it is a good sign, it means we attract attention and they are doing a good job.”
Lewis-Skelly may yet start Arsenal’s Community Shield clash with Manchester City on Sunday 16 August.
The Gunners face City in the Premier League curtain-raiser in Cardiff this weekend.
