Mikel Arteta has made it clear that he is absolutely certain that Myles Lewis‑Skelly will still be an Arsenal player when the summer transfer window closes. The young midfielder, who featured in Arsenal’s Champions League final defeat to Paris Saint‑Germain in May, had attracted interest from several big clubs earlier in the season, most notably Chelsea and Manchester United, both of which were reportedly monitoring his progress.
Yet when asked before the Premier League opener against Coventry City, broadcast live on Sky Sports, Arteta responded without hesitation: “One hundred per cent.” He went on to explain why he places such a high value on home‑grown talent. "The players who come through our academy and develop a genuine love for the club bring something special that cannot be bought," Arteta said. "We have a duty to look after them in a unique way because they possess qualities that are extremely hard to replace.
When we can, we must protect these assets, nurture their development and make them integral to the team’s future." Arteta also highlighted another academy graduate, Martin Zubimendi, who is expected to stay on despite a spell on the sidelines toward the end of last season. The World Cup winner, who contributed significantly throughout the campaign, was praised by the manager as one of Arsenal’s most valuable performers.
"Zubi was without doubt one of our best players last season. Without his contributions we would never have reached the position we found ourselves in in recent weeks," Arteta said. He stressed that Zubimendi’s impact went far beyond the minutes he logged, noting that the midfielder’s work ethic and consistency helped the squad navigate a ten‑month stretch that culminated in a Champions League final appearance.
The manager also spoke candidly about the need for honest, sometimes painful conversations regarding player futures. With names such as Gabriel Martinelli, Gabriel Jesus and teenage prodigy Ethan Nwaneri being linked with potential moves away, Arteta admitted that the club must confront reality with transparency. "It’s a difficult moment, but we have to be truthful. If a player is told something that isn’t accurate, it hampers their ability to make informed decisions about their career.
These conversations are never easy, but they are essential for maintaining respect and admiration between the club and the individual," he explained. Arteta acknowledged that Arsenal’s record of selling players for high fees is modest – the most notable sale being Alex Oxlade‑Chamberlain’s £35 million move to Liverpool nine years ago – but he argued that the decision to sell is not simply a matter of profit.
"It’s not about being good or bad at selling. It’s about the circumstances surrounding each player: their contract, their desire to leave, the club’s needs and the market conditions.
Sometimes a player wants to stay, and that has to be respected," he said. When pressed on whether the club needs to offload talent to fund new signings, Arteta responded that the answer depends on sporting success and the club’s overall growth. "No other European club has experienced the increase in value, performance and revenue that Arsenal has enjoyed in recent years. Some clubs must sell to stay afloat, but we have taken a different approach – we aim to raise the club’s capacity and quality on a large scale," he asserted.
The manager also addressed the fitness of new signing Bruno Guimarães ahead of the Coventry match. The Brazilian midfielder, who was withdrawn at halftime during the Community Shield win over Manchester City and was seen with an ice pack, remains a question mark. "We’ll see how he feels tomorrow.
He’s progressing well, but we’ll make a decision based on his condition," Arteta said. Arteta highlighted the broader impact of recent signings, noting that fresh arrivals bring new energy and competition that can elevate the whole squad. He referenced the influence of players such as Christos Tzolis and Illan Meslier, who have pushed teammates to improve since day one.
Looking ahead, Arteta expressed optimism that another incoming defender, Ezri Konsa, could be available for the league opener. The £51 million centre‑back from Aston Villa must be registered by noon on Thursday to be eligible. "I’m always positive and confident," Arteta said. "We can’t control everything, but we are doing everything we can to make it happen.
When we have confirmation, we’ll let everyone know." In summary, Arteta’s message to Arsenal supporters is one of confidence and clarity. He believes that academy products like Lewis‑Skelly and Zubimendi are vital to the club’s identity and future success, and he is prepared to protect and develop them.
At the same time, he recognises the necessity of honest dialogue about player movement and the strategic balance between retaining talent and making prudent sales. With new signings adding depth and competition, Arsenal aim to build a deeper, more resilient squad capable of sustaining high performance throughout an entire season, not just a ten‑month run. The manager’s firm stance on loyalty, transparency and strategic growth sets the tone for what he hopes will be an exciting and ambitious campaign for the Gunners.