Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has moved to bring an end to speculation over Myles Lewis-Skelly's future, making it clear that the versatile teenager will not be leaving the Emirates Stadium this summer. The academy graduate has attracted strong interest from Premier League rivals during the current transfer window.

Arteta sends clear hands-off message to rival clubs

Arteta has given a decisive update on Lewis-Skelly's future, saying he is '100 per cent' sure that the 19-year-old will stay at the club beyond the summer transfer deadline. The England international has emerged as a highly coveted talent since breaking into the senior side, with clubs such as Chelsea and Manchester United closely monitoring him.

The rumours gathered pace because of the possible financial benefits of a sale, with suggestions that Arsenal could be tempted to cash in and register 'pure profit' on their books. As a home-grown academy player, any fee received for Lewis-Skelly - who made his senior Arsenal debut in a September 2024 draw against Manchester City and has since recorded 76 appearances, one goal, and seven assists in all competitions - would significantly strengthen the club's position under Profit and Sustainability Rules.

The value of Hale End graduates

Arteta was quick to underline the deeper importance of home-grown players in the squad, beyond their transfer value or technical quality on the pitch. The Spaniard feels players who come through the ranks at Hale End carry a special connection with the club that outside signings cannot easily replicate. Lewis-Skelly is an example of that, having made 36 appearances and contributed four assists in all competitions last season while playing a major part in helping Arsenal win their first Premier League title since 2004.

Speaking on whether it is important to retain academy players despite the possible financial rewards of selling them, Arteta said: 'Certainly. The players that have been raised in our system and genuinely feel that love and connection with the club bring something else. There is no question about that. We need to look after them in a really special way because they bring value that is very difficult to find.'

Lewis-Skelly's tactical development

Lewis-Skelly's rise has been defined by his outstanding versatility. Although he first stood out as an energetic midfielder in the youth setup, he broke into the senior team as a left-back during the 2024-25 season before getting the chance to display his qualities in his natural midfield role in May 2026. Stressing Arsenal's determination to nurture such talent, Arteta said: 'That's why, when we can, we want to protect those assets as much as possible. Develop them and make them extremely important for the club.'

Although Lewis-Skelly's future now appears settled - having played in every pre-season match in his preferred midfield position and impressed in Arsenal's 3-0 Community Shield win over Manchester City last weekend - the Arsenal manager also spoke about other members of the squad. Arteta confirmed there has been no progress regarding the futures of fellow academy graduate Ethan Nwaneri or Brazilian winger Gabriel Martinelli.

Squad fitness before Premier League opener

Looking ahead to the Premier League opener against Coventry City on Friday, August 21, Arteta offered an encouraging fitness update on a number of key players. Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice are both considered 'ready to be involved' after their summer workloads, which comes as a major boost ahead of the trip. There was also an update on Bruno Guimaraes, who was taken off at half-time during the Community Shield match at Wembley. Arteta said: 'Let's see how he is, but he's evolving very well.'

However, it is not entirely positive on the injury front for the North London club. Jurrien Timber, who has been out with an ongoing groin problem, remains some distance away from returning to competitive action.