Arsenal star makes transfer decision as Premier League rivals circle
Myles Lewis-Skelly remains fully focused on staying at Arsenal and establishing himself in Mikel Arteta’s plans despite speculation surrounding his future.
The 19-year-old has been the subject of significant transfer interest over the past week, with Manchester United and Chelsea both linked with moves for the Hale End graduate.
Reports initially suggested intermediaries had made Lewis-Skelly’s potential availability known to both clubs, although Arsenal are not understood to be actively trying to sell the England international.
According to The Athletic, Lewis-Skelly is happy at Arsenal and has no intention of exploring or pursuing a departure from his boyhood club.
That position is significant given the increased competition for midfield places following Arsenal’s summer recruitment, but Lewis-Skelly is prepared to fight for opportunities rather than seek regular football elsewhere.
The youngster signed a new long-term contract last summer after establishing himself in Arteta’s senior squad, having been with Arsenal since the age of eight.
He initially broke into the first team as a left-back but has increasingly been given opportunities in his preferred midfield role, including throughout the current pre-season.
Arteta deployed Lewis-Skelly primarily as a No.6 during the summer because several midfielders were unavailable following the World Cup, and the Arsenal manager subsequently praised the teenager for producing a consistent pre-season.
Lewis-Skelly reinforced his case against Como last Wednesday when he scored Arsenal’s goal in the 1-1 draw at the Emirates Stadium, marking it with an emotional heart celebration amid the speculation surrounding his future.
He then delivered an even stronger response when competitive football returned against Manchester City in Sunday’s Community Shield.
Starting in midfield, Lewis-Skelly produced a superb reverse pass to release Riccardo Calafiori for Arsenal’s opening goal inside the first minute as the Premier League champions secured an emphatic 3-0 victory in Cardiff.
His ability to receive possession under pressure and progress the ball also contributed to Arsenal controlling midfield during one of their most impressive performances of the summer.
Competition remains considerable, particularly after Bruno Guimaraes arrived to join a midfield group already containing Declan Rice, Martin Zubimendi and Martin Odegaard.
However, Lewis-Skelly’s versatility offers Arteta another reason to keep him, with the teenager capable of operating centrally or providing cover on the left side of defence.
Chelsea have reportedly shown interest should Arsenal ultimately decide to cash in, while Manchester United have also considered the youngster among their options.
For now, however, Lewis-Skelly’s own position appears considerably less complicated than the transfer speculation suggests.
The academy graduate wants to remain at Arsenal, compete for his place and build upon an impressive summer that has strengthened rather than weakened his case for a significant role this season.
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