Mikel Arteta has made it crystal clear that he believes Myles Lewis‑Skelly will still be an Arsenal player when the transfer window shuts. The Arsenal manager said he is "100 per cent" sure the 18‑year‑old midfielder will stay, despite recent rumors linking the youngster with Chelsea and long‑standing interest from Manchester United. Lewis‑Skelly, who earned a place in Arsenal's starting eleven for the Champions League final against Paris Saint‑Germain in May, was asked about his future during a pre‑match press conference ahead of the league opener against Coventry City. Arteta's response was unequivocal: "100 per cent." Arteta went on to explain why the club places such a high value on home‑grown talent.
He highlighted the deep emotional bond that academy graduates develop with the North London side, noting that this connection brings an intangible quality that cannot be bought on the transfer market. "The players that have come through our academy and feel that love and connection with the club bring something special," he said. "We have to look after them in a very special way because they provide value that is extremely difficult to find elsewhere. When we can, we must protect those assets, develop them further, and make them central to the team's future." Another young player whose future appears secure is Martin Zubimendi.
The Spanish midfielder, a World Cup winner with Spain, struggled with injuries toward the end of last season but remained a key figure in Arteta's plans. "Zubi was undoubtedly one of the best players for Arsenal last season," Arteta asserted. "Without him we would never have reached the position we were in in the final weeks of the campaign. Even though he missed a number of games, his contributions were vital and cannot be overlooked." Arteta also addressed the criticism that Zubimendi's impact was limited because he featured in the Champions League final.
He argued that the player's influence stretched across the entire season, helping the team reach that stage in the first place. "He played for ten months and we wouldn't have been in those finals without his work," Arteta said. "He deserves a great deal of credit for that." In private conversations with Zubimendi, Arteta emphasized honesty and transparency. He praised the midfielder's self‑discipline, noting that Zubimendi often pushes himself too hard.
"He knows we need to raise the quality of the squad in every position," Arteta explained. "We cannot repeat the situation of last season where he played 55 games before the final stretch. He understands the need to sustain a high level for a full eleven‑month campaign, not just a short burst." When asked about the possibility of tough decisions regarding the squad, Arteta did not shy away from the reality that some players may need to move on. Names such as Gabriel Martinelli, Gabriel Jesus and Ethan Nwaneri have been linked with potential exits.
"It is a very difficult moment, and we have to face it with complete honesty and transparency," the manager said. "If the truth is uncomfortable, we must still convey it because it helps everyone make better decisions and provides clarity for the next steps in a player's career. These conversations are never easy, but they are essential." Arteta stressed that the club aims to keep the squad as deep as possible, especially after the injury crises that plagued the team in several areas last season. A larger, well‑balanced squad provides the flexibility to rotate players and maintain performance levels throughout the long Premier League campaign.
At the same time, Artetta underlined the importance of each player feeling valued and integral to the team's objectives. Regarding Arsenal's historical record of player sales, Arteta acknowledged that the club's biggest sale remains the £35 million transfer of Alex Oxlade‑Chamberlain to Liverpool nine years ago. When pressed on whether Arsenal are poor at selling players, he responded that the issue is not simply about being good or bad at transfers, but about the context of each deal.
"It depends on the players we have, their contracts, their desire to leave, and the overall situation," he explained. "Sometimes you want to make a decision, but the player is happy and wants to stay.
Many factors must align for a sale to happen, and it is never straightforward." On the broader financial strategy, Arteta noted that Arsenal's growth in terms of on‑field performance, brand value and revenue is unmatched by many European clubs. "There isn’t any club in Europe that has experienced the same growth in value, performances and revenues as Arsenal has," he said. "Some clubs may need to sell to balance the books, but our approach is to raise the level and capacity of the club dramatically." The manager also addressed the fitness of new signing Bruno Guimarães ahead of the Coventry match.
The Brazilian midfielder was substituted at half‑time during the Community Shield victory over Manchester City and was seen with an ice pack on his leg. "We will see how it goes.
It's evolving well, but we will make a decision for tomorrow," Arteta said, indicating that the player's availability would be assessed close to kickoff. Arteta praised the impact of recent signings, including the £75 million midfielder, stating that new arrivals bring fresh energy and competition that elevate the entire squad. He drew parallels with earlier acquisitions such as Christos Tzolis and Illan Meslier, noting that each new player raises the standards within the team. Looking ahead, Arteta hinted that another incoming player, defender Ezri Konsa, could be eligible to feature against Coventry City.
Konsa, who is set to join from Aston Villa for a reported £51 million fee, must be registered by noon on Thursday to be included in the matchday squad. "I am always positive and confident," Arteta said.
"I cannot control everything, but we are doing everything we can to make it happen. When we are ready to announce something, we will let everyone know." In summary, Arteta's comments paint a picture of a manager who is deeply committed to nurturing home‑grown talent, willing to have difficult conversations about player futures, and focused on building a deep, competitive squad capable of sustaining success throughout the season.
His confidence in Lewis‑Skelly, reassurance to Zubimendi, and strategic outlook on transfers and squad depth illustrate a clear vision for Arsenal's continued growth and ambition.