Arsenal - Myles Lewis-Skelly
Image credit: Getty Images
Arsenal have officially confirmed that teenage sensation Myles Lewis-Skelly has signed a new long-term contract, cementing the 18-year-old’s place at the heart of the club’s exciting future. The announcement, made on the club’s official website, reflects the Gunners’ unwavering commitment to developing homegrown talent and protecting one of their most promising academy graduates.
Lewis-Skelly, who joined Arsenal’s Hale End academy at the age of eight, enjoyed a breakthrough 2024/25 season that saw him become a regular fixture in Mikel Arteta’s squad. Initially starting the campaign with the Under-21s, the versatile youngster went on to make 39 appearances across all competitions, playing a key role in Arsenal’s second-place finish in the Premier League and their run to the UEFA Champions League semi-finals.
Although naturally a midfielder, Lewis-Skelly impressed after being deployed predominantly as a left-back, a role previously unfamiliar to him. His adaptability, tactical intelligence, and combative style drew widespread praise and earned him comparisons to some of the club’s legendary figures.
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The new five-year deal, which runs until 2030, not only reflects Lewis-Skelly’s growing importance at the Emirates but also makes him one of the highest-paid teenagers in world football. Arsenal were keen to secure his future amid mounting interest from top European clubs, including Real Madrid, who were reportedly monitoring his contract situation closely.
Myles Lewis-Skelly with Andrea Berta
Myles Lewis-Skelly with sporting director Andrea Berta after signing his new Arsenal contract (Image credit: Getty Images)
The negotiations, led by his mother and agent Marcia Lewis, were completed with the support of Arteta, whose close mentorship played a pivotal role in the agreement.
“It’s like a dream come true,” Lewis-Skelly told the club’s media. “To commit my future to the team I grew up supporting is something really special. I’m excited to keep learning and pushing forward under Mikel and with this amazing group of players.”
Arteta, who has played a central role in the 18-year-old’s development, hailed Lewis-Skelly as a key figure in Arsenal’s evolving project.
For Myles Lewis-Skelly it has always been Arsenal. Despite the interest from some of the biggest clubs in Europe, the 18-year-old was always going to remain in North London.
Five-year deal and one of the highest paid youngsters in the world. Myles is staying and he’s here to… pic.twitter.com/I1UllVnRpr
— now.arsenal (@now_arsenaI) June 26, 2025
“Myles represents the heart of what we’re building at Arsenal,” said Arteta. “His versatility, desire to improve, and deep connection to this club make him a truly unique talent. We’re delighted to continue this journey together.”
Lewis-Skelly’s remarkable rise extended beyond domestic football. In March, he was handed a surprise call-up by England manager Thomas Tuchel for the World Cup qualifiers and made an immediate impact, scoring on his senior debut against Albania at Wembley. At just 18 years and 176 days old, he became the youngest player to score on debut for the Three Lions, breaking Marcus Rashford’s previous record.
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His standout performances have not gone unnoticed. He was recently nominated for the PFA Young Player of the Year award, alongside fellow Arsenal prodigy Ethan Nwaneri, who is also reportedly in line for a new deal. The club are likewise in discussions with William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães, who recently signed his own contract extension.
The announcement of Lewis-Skelly’s new contract underscores Arsenal’s strategy of blending elite young talent with experience as they look to mount sustained challenges both domestically and in Europe.
With the No. 49 shirt evoking memories of the club’s iconic “Invincibles” era on his back, Lewis-Skelly’s rise from academy hopeful to first-team regular serves as a powerful symbol of Arsenal’s ambitious and youthful resurgence.
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