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Arteta wants additions aplenty this summer | Arsenal FC via Getty Images
Arsenal are currently engaged in contract talks with one of their young stars
Arsenal remain ‘calm and relaxed’ over Myles Lewis-Skelly’s future at the club despite reported interest from La Liga giants Real Madrid.
Reports from Marca claimed that Madrid are eyeing a move for Lewis-Skelly when his contract expires next summer. The Spanish club pulled a similar trick on Liverpool as they convinced Trent Alexander-Arnold to reject fresh contract offers from Liverpool to join the club on a free transfer. The Club World Cup prevented Madrid from pulling off a completely-free move as they had to pay Liverpool to get Alexander-Arnold out of his contract early.
However, there will be no Club World Cup next summer meaning Real won’t need to fork out any fees if they want to sign players on a free contract. Despite the interest, Fabrizio Romano claims Arsenal are confident they will be able to keep Lewis-Skelly at the club. They would have likely have already tied him down to a longer deal but there are rules over contract lengths for players under the age of 18.
The defender only turned 18 in September before making his impressive breakthrough into the starting line-up in North London.
Fabrizio Romano gives update on Myles Lewis-Skelly’s contract
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano said: “The player is out of contract in one year, so a massive opportunity on the market when you look at that with the current situation. But behind the scenes it's important to mention one thing, first point, you know Real Madrid are always attentive to opportunities, Real Madrid started working on Trent's deal a long time ago, putting their eyes on the situation of the player.
“Real Madrid always do that, when there is an opportunity, when there is a talent, when there is a good player, so this is Real Madrid's style, it's normal to be informed, but my information is that Arsenal are very calm, very relaxed, very confident and optimistic to get a new deal done for Miles Lewis Skelly,
“There is a conversation ongoing, the conversation involves people close to the player, the family of the player. We have a new director now, Andrea Berta, who arrived a few months ago, so a conversation that started before the general transfer window and then restarted with Andrea Berta as director, but going very well, so the talks are underway.”
Myles Lewis-Skelly earns major praise following breakthrough year
The left-back has shone while being thrust into the spotlight by Mikel Arteta with Sky Sports pundits Jamie Carragher and Gary Neville impressed by his impact at such a young age.
Carragher said: “It was more five or six big performance in big venues. I remember going to those venues at 23-24 and that was a lot for me. To actually go there and play well, you felt like you needed to be in your peak to go to these big stadiums and play really well and feel comfortable. To be doing that at 18. Wow!”
Neville added: “He’s gone in and looked like it’s his and he’s always been there. That’s the biggest compliment you can give to a young player, they just slot in. The ability to take the ball in the biggest games in tight situations. It’s incredible what he’s doing.”
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