Mikel Arteta has given a definitive update on Myles Lewis-Skelly’s Arsenal future and stressed the importance of protecting academy players.
Mikel Arteta left little doubt over Myles Lewis-Skelly’s future, insisting the youngster will stay at Arsenal past the end of the summer window.
Speaking ahead of Friday’s Premier League opener against Coventry City, Arteta was asked directly whether he was confident the 19-year-old would still be an Arsenal player once the window closes.
“100%,” he replied.
There was no ambiguity in his answer. Arteta then took the opportunity to underline just how much value he places on players who have come through Arsenal’s academy.
Arteta Wants Arsenal Academy Players Protected
Lewis-Skelly has been at Arsenal since childhood and became one of the biggest academy success stories of Arteta’s title-winning side last season.
He first broke through at left-back, but his ability to step into midfield has handed Arteta another option in a part of the pitch that is now packed with competition.
That competition increased this summer with Arsenal completing the £75 million signing of former Newcastle captain Bruno Guimaraes.
Declan Rice, Martin Odegaard and Martin Zubimendi were already established options before Bruno Guimaraes arrived. Even so, Lewis-Skelly has continued to feature during pre-season and was involved in Arsenal’s Community Shield victory over Manchester City.
It means minutes cannot simply be guaranteed to him, particularly in midfield, but Arteta’s comments suggest Arsenal see that competition very differently from questioning Lewis-Skelly’s future at the club.
Arteta discussed the importance of players who have come through Arsenal’s system.
“The players that have been raised in our system and they feel the love and the connection with the club bring something else,” Arteta said.
“We need to look after them in a really special way. When we can, we want to protect those assets as much as possible.
“Develop them and make them very important to the club.”
Arteta has often spoken about the bond homegrown players can forge with supporters. Lewis-Skelly has made that journey himself, rising from Hale End prospect to senior England international before his 20th birthday.
Now, the Arsenal manager wants to ensure those who come through the ranks are given the chance to become first-team regulars, not just assets to be sold.
Lewis-Skelly Faces Fight for Arsenal Place
Keeping Lewis-Skelly at the club does mean that he doesn't face a significant challenge this season.
Arsenal’s squad is stronger now, especially through the centre of the pitch. Arteta has more options to shape his midfield and defence than he did a year ago.
Lewis-Skelly’s versatility could prove crucial.
He has already shown he can handle left-back in big games and step into midfield when Arsenal have the ball. His natural instincts as a midfielder also give Arteta the option to push him further forward if needed.
The Hale End graduate is still only 19, so there is plenty of room for him to grow as a player and at Arsenal.
Arteta’s comments ahead of the Coventry game suggest that he wants that development to happen in North London.
The manager could hardly have been clearer about Lewis-Skelly staying put, and his wider remarks about protecting academy players offered a glimpse into the club’s thinking.
Lewis-Skelly may face a tougher fight for minutes this season, but Arsenal still see him as someone they want to nurture into a key figure for the club.
