Myles Lewis-Skelly's future at Arsenal remains unresolved with interest from Manchester United understood to be growing
Myles Lewis-Skelly has been linked with a move away from Arsenal this summer
Myles Lewis-Skelly has been linked with a move away from Arsenal this summer(Image: Huw Fairclough/Getty Images)
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Myles Lewis-Skelly says he is ‘ready’ for the new season with Arsenal after breaking his silence for the first time since football.london broke that Chelsea and Manchester United had been approached regarding their interest in the player.
He assisted Riccardo Calafiori within the opening 23 seconds of the game, going on to lift the shield and celebrate emotionally with supporters, who sang his name to make their feelings known once more about where they stand. Myles must stay.
Arsenal’s transfer window has not gone to plan in terms of outgoings so far. The club have brought in less than £40million with Jakub Kiwior, Leandro Trossard and Christian Norgaard departing for minimal fees.
The player’s position is clear; he wants to stay. football.london understands that the player is not exploring an exit from the club and is focusing on his football.
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He spoke publicly for the first time since the questions surrounding his future was broken.
“Personally, I feel ready.” Lewis-Skelly said on Arsenal’s Live X broadcast on Tuesday. “We've got an amazing squad. And I feel like, as a team, there are more things in the air at the moment. We all have the same common goal.
“You know what we want from the season, and I feel like everyone's kind of buying into that again. So yeah, we're ready, we're excited.”
What has not yet been ascertained beyond all doubt is whether the player’s future is guaranteed at the club. Mikel Arteta has been given two opportunities so far to ease fears over the player’s future and has not done so.
Asked after the performance against Como on the ‘speculation’ around his future, the Arsenal manager batted the question away. But did so without reaffirming that Lewis-Skelly will stay.
"He's a very emotional player," Arteta said when asked about the celebration. "I remember when he did all the gestures on the pitch.
"I am not going to talk about any speculation. If there is any speculation about our players, it is a good sign; it means we attract attention, and they are doing a good job."
He was then asked ahead of the Community Shield where he sees Lewis-Skelly playing this season. Whether it will be as a left-back or instead in midfield.
“Depends,” Arteta 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.”
Arteta will face the media again on Thursday ahead of Arsenal’s Premier League opener against Coventry City on Friday night. He could again be asked about the future of the 19-year-old.
football.london understands that Manchester United’s interest in the player has only increased over the last week. Their pursuit of Lewis Hall has not progressed, and Lewis-Skelly’s performances in the summer have gained more favour with the northwest club.
There is little doubt that if Lewis-Skelly were to leave, it would spark a major reaction from the fan base. The player has become a fan favourite and his performances have left supporters wanting to see more in a midfield which now has incredible competition for places.
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