Mikel Arteta has expressed absolute certainty that Myles Lewis‑Skelly will still be wearing the Arsenal badge 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 Chelsea earlier in the season and has long been on Manchester United's radar. Yet, when questioned before the Premier League opener against Coventry City, Arteta answered without hesitation: "One hundred percent." He went on to elaborate on the broader philosophy behind protecting home‑grown talent. "Players who come through our academy develop a special bond with the club," Arteta said.
"That connection brings something intangible that you can't simply buy on the transfer market. We have a duty to nurture those individuals, safeguard them as valuable assets, and integrate them fully into the first‑team plan." Arteta also highlighted another academy graduate, Martin Zubimendi, who despite missing part of the previous season due to injury, remains a key figure in the squad.
"Zubi was unquestionably one of our best performers last season," the manager noted. "Without his contributions we would not have reached the positions we enjoyed in the final weeks. Even though he missed some games, his impact was undeniable, and he played a crucial role in getting us to the Champions League final." The manager described his relationship with Zubimendi as candid and straightforward.
"We have spoken face‑to‑face about my decisions and the direction of the club. He understands the expectations and holds himself to extremely high standards, sometimes to a fault. He knows we must add quality across the board, and he recognises that we cannot rely on a single player to cover every minute of a season." Arteta admitted that the club will have to hold some tough conversations about the future of certain players. Names such as Gabriel Martinelli, Gabriel Jesus and the teenage prodigy Ethan Nwaneri have been linked with possible departures.
"It's a difficult moment and we need to confront reality with honesty and transparency," Arteta said. "Even if the truth is uncomfortable, it helps everyone make clearer decisions about the next steps in their careers.
These conversations are never easy, but they are essential." He stressed the importance of maintaining a deep squad, especially after last season's injury crises that hit multiple positions. "The larger the squad, the better we can cope with setbacks," he explained. "However, each player must feel valued and understand their role within the team." When asked about Arsenal's reputation for selling players, Arteta responded that the club's record sales are not a simple measure of success or failure.
"Our biggest sale remains the £35 million transfer of Alex Oxlade‑Chamberlain to Liverpool nine years ago," he said. "Whether we are good or bad at selling depends on the circumstances of each player – contract length, desire to leave, market demand, and the club's strategic needs. It's rarely a straightforward decision." Regarding the financial strategy of selling to fund new signings, Arteta highlighted Arsenal's unprecedented growth in recent years. "No other European club has experienced the increase in value, performance, and revenue that we have," he asserted.
"Our approach is to raise the club's standards and capacity, not simply to offload players for cash." The manager also addressed the fitness of new signing Bruno Guimarães ahead of the Coventry match. The Brazilian midfielder was withdrawn at halftime during the Community Shield win over Manchester City and was seen with an ice pack. "We will see how he feels tomorrow," Arteta said. "He is progressing well, but we will make a decision based on his condition." Arteta praised the impact of recent signings, noting that fresh arrivals bring energy and competition.
"When you add players like Christos Tzolis or Illan Meslier, the whole squad feels the lift in standards," he explained. "New signings give everyone something to prove and raise the overall level." There is also optimism surrounding the potential involvement of Ezri Konsa, who is set to join from Aston Villa for around £51 million. He must be registered by noon on Thursday to be eligible for the league opener. "I remain positive and confident," Arteta said.
"While we cannot control registration timing, we are doing everything we can to have him ready. When we have official news, we will share it." Overall, Arteta's message to fans and players alike is one of confidence and clarity. He believes in the academy's ability to produce top‑class talent, acknowledges the necessity of tough decisions, and emphasizes the club's ambition to grow both on and off the pitch. The upcoming season will test these principles, but Artetta remains convinced that with honesty, depth, and strategic signings, Arsenal can continue its upward trajectory.