Mikel Arteta has made it crystal clear that he believes Myles Lewis‑Skelly will still be wearing the Arsenal badge when the summer transfer window shuts. The manager’s certainty was expressed during a pre‑match press conference ahead of Arsenal’s opening Premier League fixture against Coventry City, a game that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports.
Lewis‑Skelly, the 18‑year‑old midfielder who earned his first senior start in Arsenal’s Champions League final loss to Paris Saint‑Germain in May, has already attracted interest from several big clubs. Chelsea were linked with a move earlier this summer, and Manchester United have long been admirers of the prodigious talent. Despite the rumours, Arteta’s response to the question of whether the teenager would stay was unequivocal: “One hundred per cent.” The Arsenal boss then elaborated on why he feels such a strong attachment to academy‑grown players.
“When a youngster comes through our academy and develops a genuine love for the club, it creates something special,” he said. “Those players carry a type of value that is incredibly hard to replace. That’s why we try to protect them, nurture their development, and make them central to our long‑term plans.” Arteta was also pressed on the broader issue of player turnover.
Names such as Gabriel Martinelli, Gabriel Jesus and the teenage sensation Ethan Nwaneri have been mentioned in the media as possible departures. The manager admitted that these conversations are difficult but necessary. “It’s a tough moment for any club,” he acknowledged. “We have to face the reality with honesty and transparency.
Even if the truth is uncomfortable, it helps everyone make clearer decisions about the next steps in their careers.” He stressed that every decision must be handled with respect for the individual involved. “Everything has a beginning and an end,” Arteta explained. “When a player’s time with us finishes, our duty is to manage that transition with the utmost professionalism and admiration for what they have contributed.” While he refused to name any specific players, he confirmed that the club is reviewing each individual case carefully.
Depth in the squad remains a priority for Arteta, especially after the injury‑hit campaign of the previous season, which saw key positions weakened by multiple setbacks. “We want the squad to be as large as possible because we know the challenges we face,” he said. “A deeper roster gives us flexibility, but it only works if the players feel valued and understand their importance to the team.” When asked about Arsenal’s historical record in the transfer market, Arteta noted that the club’s most significant sale to date is still the £35 million transfer of Alex Oxlade‑Chamberlain to Liverpool nine years ago. He argued that the question of whether Arsenal are “bad at selling” is misleading.
“It’s not about being good or bad; it’s about the circumstances surrounding each player,” he responded. “Sometimes a player is happy to stay, sometimes the club needs to make a move, and many factors have to align before a sale can happen.” Regarding the club’s overall transfer strategy, Arteta highlighted Arsenal’s remarkable growth in recent years. “No other European club has experienced the same increase in value, performance levels and revenue that we have,” he said. “Our approach is to raise the club’s capacity and competitiveness, rather than simply selling players to fund new purchases.” The manager also addressed the fitness of new signing Bruno Guimarães ahead of the Coventry match.
The Brazilian midfielder was substituted at halftime in the Community Shield win over Manchester City and was seen with an ice pack on his leg. “We’ll see how he feels tomorrow,” Arteta said. “He’s progressing well, but we’ll make a decision based on his condition on the day of the match.” Arteta spoke about the impact of the club’s recent £75 million midfield acquisition, emphasizing the fresh energy and competition that new arrivals bring.
“Every new player adds a spark and raises the standard for everyone else,” he explained. “It’s the same with Christos Tzolis or Illan Meslier – from day one they push the whole squad to improve.” There was also a hint of optimism regarding another incoming defender, Ezri Konsa, who is set to join from Aston Villa for a reported £51 million. Konsa needs to be registered by noon on Thursday to be eligible for the league opener.
When asked about his chances, Arteta said, “I’m always positive and confident. Some things are out of our control, but we do everything we can to be ready. When everything is set, we’ll announce it.” Overall, Arteta’s message was one of confidence in the club’s young talent, a realistic assessment of the transfer market, and a commitment to maintaining a deep, motivated squad capable of competing on all fronts.
His firm belief that Lewis‑Skelly will stay at Arsenal underscores the manager’s broader philosophy: protect home‑grown players, manage departures with dignity, and continue building a team that reflects the club’s values and ambitions.