Mikel Arteta has delivered a firm message over Myles Lewis-Skelly's future, insisting he is “100 per cent” confident the 19-year-old will remain at Arsenal beyond the summer transfer deadline.
Key Points:
- Mikel Arteta is “100 per cent” confident Myles Lewis-Skelly will remain at Arsenal beyond the summer transfer deadline.
- The 19-year-old has attracted interest from Chelsea and Manchester United following his breakthrough into Arsenal's senior team.
- Arteta stressed the unique value of Hale End academy graduates, insisting their connection with the club cannot easily be replicated.
- Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice are ready to be involved against Coventry City, while Bruno Guimaraes is progressing well and Jurrien Timber remains some way from returning.
Arteta Issues Hands-Off Warning to Rivals
The England international has become one of the club's most sought-after young talents since breaking into the senior setup, attracting interest from Chelsea and Manchester United.
Speculation over his future has also been fuelled by the financial value of an academy graduate. As a product of Arsenal's youth system, any transfer fee for Lewis-Skelly would represent "pure profit" on the club's balance sheet and could provide a significant boost in relation to Profit and Sustainability Rules.
Lewis-Skelly made his senior Arsenal debut in a September 2024 draw against Manchester City and has since registered 76 appearances, one goal and seven assists across all competitions.
The Importance of Hale End Graduates
Arteta was quick to stress that Arsenal's academy players offer value that goes well beyond their potential transfer fees or performances on the pitch.
The Arsenal boss believes players developed at Hale End form a unique connection with the club that is extremely difficult to recreate through external signings. Lewis-Skelly has already demonstrated that value, making 36 appearances and providing four assists across all competitions last season as Arsenal secured their first Premier League title since 2004.
Asked whether it was important for Arsenal to retain academy players despite the potential financial benefits of selling them, Arteta was unequivocal.
“Certainly,” he said, explaining that players raised within the club's system bring a special sense of love and connection that provides an additional layer of value to the squad.
Arteta added that Arsenal need to look after those players carefully because the qualities they bring are “very difficult to find.”
Lewis-Skelly's Tactical Evolution
Lewis-Skelly's emergence has also been defined by his impressive tactical versatility. He initially stood out as a dynamic midfielder in Arsenal's youth ranks before breaking into the senior team as a left-back during the 2024-25 season.
In May 2026, he was given the opportunity to return to his preferred midfield position, further demonstrating the range of his abilities. Arteta believes that versatility makes it even more important for Arsenal to protect and develop the young star, stressing the club's desire to turn its academy products into increasingly important members of the first team.
Lewis-Skelly's position appears particularly secure after he featured in every pre-season match in his preferred midfield role and impressed during Arsenal's 3-0 Community Shield victory over Manchester City last weekend. Arteta also addressed the futures of fellow academy graduate Ethan Nwaneri and Brazilian winger Gabriel Martinelli, confirming there has been no movement regarding either player's situation.
Squad Fitness Ahead of Premier League Opener
Attention now turns to Arsenal's Premier League opener against Coventry City on Friday, August 21, with Arteta also delivering encouraging updates on several key players. Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice are both considered “ready to be involved” following their summer exertions, providing a major boost ahead of the trip.
There was also positive news surrounding Bruno Guimaraes, who was substituted at half-time during the Community Shield clash at Wembley. Arteta said the midfielder is progressing well, although the club will continue to assess his condition.
However, Arsenal are still dealing with an injury concern. Jurrien Timber, who has been sidelined by a persistent groin problem, remains some way away from returning to competitive action.
