Myles Lewis-Skelly sent another clear message to Mikel Arteta amid questions over his Arsenal future after top Community Shield performance
Myles Lewis-Skelly has made his feelings very clear on his Arsenal future
Myles Lewis-Skelly has made his feelings very clear on his Arsenal future(Image: Mark Leech/Offside/Offside via Getty Images)
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It has been a big week for Myles Lewis-Skelly. Seven days ago, football.londonbroke the story that Chelsea had been approached regarding their potential interest in the player. This was confirmed by club sources, with further reports following to corroborate that Manchester United had also been approached.
This sparked a significant reaction, understandably so, with the 19-year-old incredibly popular within the fan base. However, when Mikel Arteta was questioned on the speculation that had occurred following the friendly draw with Como 1907 in which he scored, the Arsenal manager did little to temper fears that the starlet could leave.
“It's a very emotional player, I remember when he did all the gestures on the pitch, so I'm not going to talk about any speculation,” Arteta said. “If there is a speculation about our player, it's a good sign. That means that we attract attention and they're doing a good job.”
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Many were perhaps expecting something far more unequivocal and committed about the player’s future. When asked about the role Lewis-Skelly would play this season ahead of the Community Shield, Arteta was, again, less than definitive.
“Depends,” he replied. “Depends what happens with the squad.
“Depends how he trains. Depends on the position. A lot of factors, nothing else.
“There's a lot of players that can play in various positions. And there's a huge quality that we have in the squad.”
When Lewis-Skelly scored against Como, his celebration was particularly pointed. The player ran to the corner, putting his hands together in a praying gesture to the crowd, which turned into a heart shape.
After walking back to the centre circle, he passionately tapped the Arsenal badge on his shirt. He was making it known where his head and heart clearly are, and that is with the Gunners.
After providing an assist and a top performance in the FA Community Shield, Lewis-Skelly doubled down again. After the main celebrations, he approached the stand on the opposite side to where the trophy presentation had been, in full view of the press box, and stood alone, waving to the fans, shaking his medal, sparking plenty of ’49! 49! Lewis-Skelly!’ chants from the supporters.
Again, doubling down on his position. There are just over two weeks remaining in the window and Lewis-Skelly’s future, he appears assured, but without the guarantees from the manager, and the knowledge that Chelsea and Man United were approached, a nervous fortnight still awaits.
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