Myles Lewis-Skelly’s Arsenal journey is just getting started.
That might sound strange, considering he’s already been at the club for 10 years - he joined our Hale End Academy as an eight-year-old back in 2015. But having progressed rapidly through the age groups since then, and making an instant impression on the first-team last season, his sights are now set on bigger and bolder ambitions.
After signing a new long-term contract with his childhood club, he’s eagerly looking towards the future, as he aims to establish himself as a key player for years to come.
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“I want a legacy,” the 18-year-old told us after putting pen to paper on his new deal. “I want to win everything there is to win in the game. I want to win trophies on the biggest stages whilst being a person that's always learning and stays grounded, which is so important.”
Myles played 39 times in all competitions last season, scoring his first senior goal in the 5-1 home win over Manchester City. His senior debut had come a few months earlier in the reverse fixture at the Etihad Stadium, as a late substitute, just a few days before his latest birthday. He has not looked back since that moment.
“I'm definitely more experienced now,” he says, looking back on his development since. “I know I've taken a lot of experience from the games - about the positive moments, the mistakes that I've made. I'm definitely more ready now for the next season. I just want to keep learning and keep improving.”
His breakout season is certainly a campaign he will never forget, so what are Myles’ own highlights from the past 12 months?
“First, it's just the manager putting trust in me. Without him seeing me as a left back, I wouldn't be here, so I'm fully grateful and forever grateful to him. In terms of on the pitch, I'll say the north London derby and my grandma being there. I'm an Arsenal fan, so I know how much it means to them.
“I’ve had a lot of learning experiences I've come across and ultimately good moments for my career. I just want to keep learning and I feel more prepared now going into the new season.”
Myles’ new contract comes two years after he signed his first-ever pro deal with us in October 2023, and he could not hide his joy at putting pen to paper – surrounded by friends and family – at Emirates Stadium: “First of all I’m so proud and happy,” he grinned. “I know those words are simple, but I think they sum up how I feel signing for this club. I’m a fan and it’s like a dream come true.
“Apart from my actual family, the players and the staff from Arsenal - that's who I've spent the longest time with. I live in north London, so everyone and everything's here.”
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Myles is among the PFA Young Player of the Year nominees following an incredible season in which he also became a senior England international, as he continues to set the standards that were instilled in him during his days in the Hale End Academy. He was also presented with a Strong Young Gunners award by academy manager Per Mertesacker this year, underlining his status as a role model to the next generations of Arsenal players.
“I wouldn't even say I'm a role model,” Myles said. “I'd just say that I've embodied the values of Hale End and come through. I've still got a lot of years ahead of me, so if I can keep staying humble and being a good person, that's the most important thing to me.
“Of course, it's an honour seeing everyone who's come before me. It's very humbling to see. Just being a part of that list now, I'm grateful. For me, the work doesn't stop here. It continues. Just staying in the present moment is important for me and being the best person I can be every day, that's the goal.
“I still have more expectations for myself. I want to achieve more. I want to strive higher. In terms of a personal standpoint, I just want more for myself, more for my team and to keep learning, as I keep mentioning before. Just growing as a person and the best person I can be for my teammates.”
And finally, Myles finished his interview with a special word to the Arsenal supporters: “Just thank you for having my back for everything. Keep staying with us. I know you will and we're going to bring glory to this club.”
See Myles in action in 25/26 with a Red Membership, allowing access to ticketing ballots and 10% off retail.
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