Lewis-Skelly stays at Arsenal, Mikel Arteta insists, ending fresh transfer speculation surrounding the 19-year-old England international
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has given a firm and positive update on 19-year-old Myles Lewis-Skelly’s future at Arsenal in London on Thursday, August 20, 2026, insisting that the England international will remain with the club despite recent transfer speculation.
Arteta was unequivocal when asked about the youngster’s future, telling reporters: “Myles Lewis-Skelly STAYS. I am 100% sure.”
The emphatic statement comes after a turbulent few weeks for Lewis-Skelly, whose position at Arsenal had been the subject of considerable transfer discussion.
Manchester United have been monitoring the versatile youngster as they look to strengthen their left-back options, while Chelsea have also made enquiries about his availability.
Reports earlier this month suggested Arsenal had been prepared to listen to offers for the teenager, with a figure of around £45 million mentioned in some reports.
The possibility of a move appeared particularly plausible following Arsenal’s £75 million acquisition of Bruno Guimarães.
However, the latest developments paint a considerably different picture.
Arteta’s declaration that Lewis-Skelly stays is consistent with earlier reports that Arsenal had no intention of allowing the academy graduate to join a direct Premier League rival.
Football Insider previously reported that Arteta regarded Lewis-Skelly as an important part of his plans for the 2026/27 campaign.
The teenager’s remarkable rise also provides important context.
Lewis-Skelly emerged from Arsenal’s Hale End academy and made his senior breakthrough during the 2024/25 season. He subsequently signed a new long-term contract in June 2025 after making 23 Premier League appearances during that campaign.
His development took another significant step last season. Although playing time was limited at points, he eventually established himself in midfield and became an important part of Arsenal’s run-in.
That resurgence was particularly striking because Lewis-Skelly had initially fallen down the pecking order at left-back, with Piero Hincapié and Riccardo Calafiori competing for the position.
By the end of the campaign, however, the youngster had become a regular starter and featured in the Champions League final.
His versatility remains one of his greatest assets. Lewis-Skelly can operate at left-back or in midfield, giving Arteta tactical flexibility during a demanding season.
The 19-year-old also provided a timely reminder of his quality in Arsenal’s recent Community Shield victory over Manchester City.
Lewis-Skelly started the match and registered an assist inside the opening minute as Arsenal secured a convincing 3-0 victory.
The performance strengthened the argument that Arsenal would be reluctant to part with a player who has already demonstrated that he can perform on major occasions.
Arteta had previously suggested that interest from rival clubs was itself a positive indication of Lewis-Skelly’s development.
“We attract attention,” the Arsenal manager said earlier this month, reflecting on the interest in the young player.
There has also been evidence that Lewis-Skelly himself has been keen to remain in north London.
Sky Sports reported that the teenager wanted to stay at Arsenal and concentrate on establishing himself in Arteta’s first-team plans.
For Arsenal, keeping the youngster would preserve one of the most promising products of their academy while also maintaining valuable homegrown depth.
With the Premier League season approaching and the transfer window still open, speculation may continue until the deadline.
But Arteta’s latest intervention offers a powerful indication of the club’s immediate position.
For now, the message from Arsenal’s manager is unmistakable: Myles Lewis-Skelly is staying.
