Bayern’s £45M Bid for Arsenal’s Lewis-Skelly Sends Shockwaves Through Club
London, August 12, 2025 — In a move that has stunned the Arsenal faithful and rippled across Europe’s football landscape, Bayern Munich have reportedly submitted a £45 million bid for Arsenal’s 18-year-old sensation, Myles Lewis-Skelly. The German giants are said to be eager to land the versatile midfielder, who has emerged as one of England’s most promising young stars.
The timing of the bid, just weeks after Lewis-Skelly signed a new long-term deal with Arsenal, has added to the drama. According to sources close to the situation, Bayern’s interest escalated following Lewis-Skelly’s standout performances last season, where he made 39 senior appearances and played a crucial role in Arsenal’s push for the Premier League title.
The bid has reportedly triggered emergency meetings within the Arsenal boardroom, with sporting director Edu and manager Mikel Arteta both strongly opposing any sale. Lewis-Skelly, a product of Arsenal’s famed Hale End academy, has long been seen as a cornerstone of the club’s future. His recent contract extension was a clear signal of Arsenal’s intention to keep him at the Emirates for the foreseeable future.
Despite that, Bayern appear undeterred. The Bundesliga champions are in the midst of rebuilding under new manager Xabi Alonso and view Lewis-Skelly as a future midfield linchpin. His ability to play both as a deep-lying playmaker and an advanced box-to-box midfielder fits perfectly into Bayern’s evolving tactical system.
A source inside Bayern’s recruitment department reportedly described Lewis-Skelly as “a generational talent with composure beyond his years.” They added: “He reminds us of a young Bastian Schweinsteiger — mature, physical, and technically brilliant. We are willing to invest significantly in his potential.”
For Arsenal, the offer presents a delicate situation. While £45 million represents a massive sum for a teenager with just one full season of first-team football, the club is also wary of the message it would send to fans and other young prospects. Selling Lewis-Skelly now, after tying him down to a new deal, could be perceived as prioritising short-term profit over long-term vision.
Fan reaction has been swift and emotional. Social media exploded with pleas for the club to reject the bid outright. “We finally have an academy star breaking through and showing leadership at 18 — we can’t let him go,” tweeted one supporter. Others pointed out that players like Lewis-Skelly represent Arsenal’s identity, and that selling him would be akin to tearing down years of youth development work.
While no formal response has been made by Arsenal, insiders suggest the club is prepared to stand firm. Arteta, who has personally mentored Lewis-Skelly since his youth days, is believed to have already spoken with the player to reassure him of his importance to the team.
As the transfer window ticks on, all eyes will be on whether Bayern return with an improved offer — or whether Arsenal’s resolve proves unshakable.
Either way, the saga marks a defining moment in Lewis-Skelly’s burgeoning career — and a test of Arsenal’s commitment to its next generation of stars.
