Mikel Arteta has made it crystal clear that he believes Myles Lewis‑Skelly will still be wearing the Arsenal shirt when the summer transfer window shuts. The young midfielder, who featured in Arsenal’s Champions League final defeat to Paris Saint‑Germain in May, has attracted interest from several big clubs – Chelsea were linked with him earlier in the season and Manchester United have long expressed admiration for his talents. Yet, when asked before the Premier League opener against Coventry City, Arteta answered without hesitation: "One hundred percent." He went on to explain why the club places such a high value on home‑grown talent. "Players who come through our academy and develop a genuine love for the club bring something special that you can’t buy on the market.
We have a duty to look after them in a unique way because their worth goes beyond the transfer fee – they embody the identity of Arsenal. When we can, we must protect those assets, nurture their growth and make them central to the team’s future." Arteta also highlighted another academy graduate, Martin Zubimendi, who, despite a late‑season injury, proved indispensable last term. "Zubi was undoubtedly one of our best performers last season. Without his contributions we would never have reached the position we enjoyed in the final weeks of the campaign," the manager said.
He stressed that Zubimendi’s influence extended far beyond the minutes he logged on the pitch. "People point to the Champions League final and say ‘he played there’, but the truth is he helped us get to that stage by delivering consistently over ten months. His work ethic and honesty are exemplary, and he understands the club’s ambition to raise the overall quality of the squad." The manager admitted that the physical demands placed on Zubimendi last season – 55 games in a single campaign – were unsustainable.
"We cannot repeat that level of workload. He knows we need to add depth in every position so that no player is over‑used. The goal now is for him to raise his performance level for an entire season, not just a handful of months." When the conversation turned to the possibility of letting some players depart, Arteta acknowledged the difficulty of such decisions.
Names like Gabriel Martinelli, Gabriel Jesus and Ethan Nwaneri have been mentioned in the media as potential exits. "It’s a tough moment, and we have to confront the reality with honesty and transparency," he 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 must be handled with respect and admiration for the individual involved." He emphasized that maintaining a deep squad is essential, especially after the injury‑hit season Arsenal endured last year. "The larger the squad, the better we can cope with setbacks, but each player must feel valued and important," Arteta added. Regarding Arsenal’s reputation for selling players, Arteta noted that the club’s record sale – the £35 million transfer of Alex Oxlade‑Chamberlain to Liverpool nine years ago – is modest by comparison with other top clubs.
When pressed on whether Arsenal are poor at off‑loading talent, he replied, "It’s not a question of good or bad. It depends on the player’s contract, their desire to leave, and the market conditions. Sometimes you want to sell, but the player is happy to stay, and that makes the decision more complex." He also addressed the broader financial strategy, linking it to sporting success. "No other European club has experienced the growth Arsenal has seen in terms of player value, on‑field performance and revenue.
Some clubs need to sell to stay afloat, but our approach is to raise the club’s capacity and competitive level dramatically." On the topic of new signings, Arteta expressed cautious optimism about Bruno Guimarães. The Brazilian midfielder was withdrawn at halftime of the Community Shield after sustaining a leg injury and was seen with an ice pack. "We’ll see how he feels for tomorrow’s match.
He’s progressing well, but we’ll make a decision based on his condition," Arteta said. He highlighted the impact of recent arrivals, including the £75 million midfielder, stating, "New signings bring fresh energy and competition.
When you have players like Christos Tzolis or Illan Meslier from day one, it lifts the entire squad’s standards." Looking ahead, Arteta hinted that another incoming player, centre‑back Ezri Konsa, could be available for the opening league game against Coventry. Konsa, who is set to join from Aston Villa for around £51 million, must be registered by noon on Thursday to be eligible. "I’m always positive and confident," Arteta remarked.
"Some things are beyond our control, but we’re doing everything we can to make it happen. When everything is confirmed, we’ll let the fans know." In summary, Arteta’s message to Arsenal supporters is one of certainty and ambition: the club will protect its home‑grown stars, strengthen the squad depth, and continue to invest in talent that aligns with its long‑term vision, all while navigating the inevitable challenges of player turnover and injuries.