Mikel Arteta has made it crystal clear that he is absolutely convinced Myles Lewis‑Skelly will still be wearing the Arsenal badge when the summer transfer window shuts. The Arsenal manager was asked during a pre‑match press conference, held ahead of the Premier League opener against Coventry City, whether he believed the 19‑year‑old midfielder would stay at the club.
Arteta’s response was emphatic: “One hundred per cent.” Lewis‑Skelly, who broke onto the scene in Arsenal’s Champions League final defeat to Paris Saint‑Germain in May, has been the subject of intense speculation this summer. Chelsea were linked with a move early on, and Manchester United have long expressed admiration for the young English talent. Despite the rumour mill, Arteta insists that the club’s commitment to its home‑grown players is unwavering.
“The lads who come through our academy and feel that deep‑seated love for the club bring something special,” Arteta explained. “There’s no doubt about it. We have to nurture them in a very particular way because the value they add is hard to replace.
When we can, we protect those assets, develop them and make them central to the team’s future.” Arteta also highlighted another academy graduate, Martin Zubimendi, who is expected to remain at the Emirates. Zubimendi, a World Cup winner with Spain, saw his playing time curtailed toward the end of last season, but his contribution over the previous ten months was pivotal. “Zubi was undoubtedly one of our best performers last season,” Arteta said. “Without his influence we would never have reached the position we enjoyed in the final weeks.
He may not have featured in every match, but his impact cannot be ignored.” The manager defended Zubimendi against critics who dismissed his role because he featured in the Champions League final. “He played for ten months and helped us reach those finals. He deserves a lot of credit for that,” Arteta added. He also spoke about the personal conversations he’s had with Zubimendi, noting the player’s honesty and self‑discipline.
“He pushes himself hard, sometimes too hard, and he knows the squad needs fresh talent across all positions. We can’t repeat the strain of last season where he logged 55 games. He understands we must raise the level for a full eleven‑month campaign.” When asked whether Arsenal must have tough, perhaps brutal, talks about letting certain players leave, Arteta acknowledged the difficulty of the situation.
Names such as Gabriel Martinelli, Gabriel Jesus and teenage prospect Ethan Nwaneri have been linked with possible exits. “It’s a very tough moment and we have to face the reality with honesty and transparency,” he said. “Even if the truth is uncomfortable, it helps everyone make better decisions and provides clarity for the next step in a player’s career.
These conversations are never easy, but they are necessary.” Arteta emphasized that every decision is made with respect for the individual and the club’s long‑term goals. “When a contract ends, our duty is to handle it in the best possible way, with admiration for the player and the relationship.
We aim to keep the squad as large as possible because depth protects us from the injury crises we suffered last season in several areas of the pitch.” Regarding Arsenal’s reputation for selling players, Arteta offered a nuanced view. The club’s record sale remains the £35 million fee Liverpool paid for Alex Oxlade‑Chamberlain nine years ago. When pressed on whether Arsenal are poor at generating transfer income, he replied, “It’s not about being good or bad; it’s about the options we have and the circumstances surrounding each player.” He noted that many factors—contract length, player desire, market value—must align before a sale can be completed. “Sometimes you want to move a player on, but they’re happy to stay.
It’s a complex equation.” On the broader strategy, Arteta explained that Arsenal’s growth in recent years—both in on‑field performance and commercial revenue—sets them apart from many European clubs. “There isn’t any club in Europe that has seen the kind of increase in value, performances and revenues that we have,” he said. “Some clubs need to sell to balance the books; we are focused on raising the club’s level and capacity dramatically.” The manager also touched on the fitness of new signing Bruno Guimarães ahead of the Coventry match. Guimarães, who was substituted at half‑time during the Community Shield win over Manchester City and was seen with an ice pack, remains a question mark.
“Let’s see how it goes. He’s evolving well, but we’ll decide tomorrow,” Arteta remarked. Arteta praised the impact of the club’s recent £75 million midfield acquisition, saying new signings bring fresh energy and competition. “When you add players like Guimarães, Christos Tzolis or Illan Meslier, it lifts the whole squad’s level,” he observed.
There is also optimism surrounding another incoming player, defender Ezri Konsa, who is set to join from Aston Villa for a reported £51 million. Konsa must be registered by noon on Thursday to be eligible for the opening league game.
Arteta expressed confidence but acknowledged the administrative side is out of his hands. “I’m always positive and confident. When we’re ready to announce something, we’ll let everyone know.” In summary, Arteta’s message to Arsenal supporters is one of certainty and ambition.
He believes in the talent produced by the academy, is prepared to protect and develop those assets, and is willing to have the hard conversations required to keep the squad balanced and competitive. With key young players like Lewis‑Skelly and Zubimendi expected to stay, and new signings poised to add depth, Arsenal aim to build on last season’s progress and avoid the injury‑related pitfalls that hampered them previously. The upcoming season promises to be a test of both the club’s strategic planning and its ability to integrate fresh talent while maintaining the core that has defined Arsenal’s recent resurgence.