Mikel Arteta has made it clear that he is absolutely certain Myles Lewis‑Skelly will still be wearing the Arsenal badge when the summer transfer window shuts. The young midfielder, who featured in Arsenal’s Champions League final defeat to Paris Saint‑Germain in May, had attracted interest from Chelsea earlier in the season and has long been admired by Manchester United. Yet, when asked before the Premier League opener against Coventry City, Arteta responded without hesitation: “I am 100 per cent sure he will stay with us.” He went on to explain why home‑grown talent holds a special place in his plans.
“Players who come through our academy develop a deep love for the club,” Arteta said. “That connection brings something intangible that you can’t buy on the market.
We have a duty to protect those assets, nurture their development, and make them integral to the team’s future.” Arteta also highlighted another academy graduate, Martin Zubimendi, who fought his way back into the squad after a late‑season injury lay‑off. The World Cup‑winning Spaniard, Arteta noted, was vital to Arsenal’s progress last season. “Without Zubi we would never have reached the position we enjoyed in the final weeks of the campaign,” the manager said.
“He may not have played every minute, but his contributions were decisive, and his presence helped us compete at a high level for ten months.” The manager praised Zubimendi’s professionalism, recalling the many one‑to‑one conversations they had. “He understands my decisions, he’s honest and demanding of himself, sometimes perhaps too much,” Arteta admitted.
“He knows we must improve the squad in every position, and he recognises that we cannot rely on a player logging 55 games in a season again. Now his challenge is to raise his level for an entire campaign, not just a few months.” When pressed about the possibility of parting ways with certain players, Arteta confirmed that difficult conversations are inevitable. Names such as Gabriel Martinelli, Gabriel Jesus and the teenage sensation Ethan Nwaneri have been linked with moves away.
“It’s a tough moment and we have to face reality with honesty and transparency,” he said. “Even if the truth is uncomfortable, it gives the player clarity for the next step in his career. These talks are never easy, but they must be done with respect and admiration for the individual.” Artetta stressed the importance of squad depth, especially after a season plagued by injuries in multiple areas.
“We want the biggest possible squad because we know what we are fighting for,” he explained. “A deeper roster gives us options, but the players also need to feel valued and important.” Regarding Arsenal’s historic record of selling players, Arteta noted that the club’s biggest sale remains the £35 million transfer of Alex Oxlade‑Chamberlain to Liverpool nine years ago.
He rejected the notion that Arsenal are either good or bad at selling. “It depends on the players we have, their contracts, their desire to leave, and the market conditions,” he said. “Sometimes you want to move a player on, but they are happy to stay.
It’s a complex equation, not a simple decision.” When asked whether the club needs to generate funds by selling players to finance new signings, Arteta replied that the answer hinges on sporting success. “No other European club has experienced the growth Arsenal have seen in terms of player value, performances and revenue,” he asserted.
“Some clubs must sell, but our approach has been to raise the club’s level and capacity dramatically.” The manager also addressed the fitness of new signing Bruno Guimarães ahead of the Coventry match. The Brazil midfielder was substituted at half‑time in the Community Shield win over Manchester City and was seen with an ice pack. “We’ll see how he feels tomorrow,” Arteta said. “He’s progressing well, but we’ll make a decision based on his condition.” Arteta spoke about the impact of the club’s recent £75 million midfield acquisition, noting that fresh signings inject new energy and competition.
“When you bring in players like Christos Tzolis or Illan Meslier from day one, it lifts the whole squad,” he explained. “New arrivals give everyone something to prove.” Looking ahead, Arteta offered a glimpse of optimism regarding another incoming player, defender Ezri Konsa. The £51 million centre‑back from Aston Villa needs to be registered before noon on Thursday to be eligible for the league opener.
“I’m always positive and confident,” Arteta said. “I can’t control the paperwork, but we are doing everything we can. When everything is finalised we will let the fans know.” In summary, Arteta’s message to Arsenal supporters is one of certainty and ambition. He is unwavering in his belief that Lewis‑Skelly will stay, he values academy graduates like Zubimendi, and he recognises the necessity of tough, transparent conversations about player futures.
At the same time, he is committed to building a deeper, more competitive squad through strategic signings while preserving the club’s identity and ethos. The upcoming season promises a blend of continuity and fresh talent, all aimed at restoring Arsenal to the top tier of English and European football.