Mikel Arteta Confident in Keeping Myles Lewis-Skelly

Mikel Arteta expresses confidence Arsenal will retain Myles Lewis-Skelly amid interest from Chelsea and Manchester United.

Mikel Arteta has stated he is “100 per cent” confident that Myles Lewis-Skelly will remain with Arsenal as the transfer window approaches its end. Earlier this summer, Chelsea inquired about the young midfielder, with Manchester United also showing long-term interest in the player, who featured in Arsenal’s Champions League final loss to Paris Saint-Germain in May.

When questioned in a press conference ahead of Friday evening’s Premier League opener against Coventry, Arteta affirmed his belief in Lewis-Skelly’s commitment to the club, saying: “100 per cent.” He elaborated on the importance of academy-raised players, noting their unique bond with the club. “The players that have been raised in our [academy] system and they feel that love and connection with the club, it brings something else. We need to look after them in a very special way because they bring value that is very difficult to [find].”

Arteta also mentioned Martin Zubimendi, who is expected to stay with the squad despite having had limited playing time last season due to injury. Arteta emphasized Zubimendi’s crucial contributions over the season, saying: “Zubi without a doubt was one of the best players for Arsenal last season. Without him, we would never have got into the position that we got into in the last few weeks.”

As the transfer window remains active, Arteta acknowledged the need for tough decisions regarding player departures. Gabriel Martinelli, Gabriel Jesus, and Ethan Nwaneri are among those who have been linked with moves away from the club. “It’s a really tough moment. We need to face that reality,” stated Arteta. He emphasized the importance of having honest conversations with players about their futures.

Arsenal’s historical challenges in selling players came into the conversation as well. The club’s record sale remains the £35 million transfer of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain to Liverpool. Arteta responded to inquiries about the club’s selling abilities, saying, “It’s not bad or good. It’s what you have in relation to what you have to the options that you have to sell. Maybe we’ve been extraordinary depending on the level on players that we have, the ability, their contract and the will to go.”

Looking ahead to this weekend’s match, Arteta cast uncertainty over Bruno Guimaraes’ fitness following his injury in the Community Shield against Manchester City. He remarked, “Let’s see how it is. It’s evolving really well, but let’s see for tomorrow.”

On the prospect of new signings, Arteta noted the importance of recent arrivals like Ezri Konsa, who is expected to join from Aston Villa in a £51 million deal. Arteta expressed optimism about Konsa’s potential availability in the opener against Coventry, stating, “I’m always positive and confident. I cannot control it. It doesn’t depend on us. We are trying our best to achieve that. When we’re ready to announce something, we’ll let you know.”