Arsenal teenager Myles Lewis-Skelly remained at the Emirates despite talk of a summer transfer to Manchester United - with a Mikel Arteta intervention proving key
Mikel Arteta was determined to keep Myles Lewis-Skelly at Arsenal
Mikel Arteta was determined to keep Myles Lewis-Skelly at Arsenal
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Mikel Arteta was able to convince Myles Lewis-Skelly to remain at Arsenal, despite him seriously considering an exit in the summer, with the promise of a system tweak.
The Gunners' academy graduate enjoyed a breakout campaign two seasons ago, but last year was tough going and opportunities were at a premium. Lewis-Skelly did start in the Champions League final, which raised eyebrows, before talk of a move away.
Arsenal's rivals Manchester United and Chelsea were touted as his most likely destinations, but Arteta sat down with the 19-year-old to convince him that a major role existed for him at the Emirates.
That was despite the number of midfielders on the club's books, which was only added to in the summer. But Arteta explained how shifting his system would mean that Lewis-Skelly could play a central part in his plans, reports The Sun.
The Arsenal boss never shied away from telling those close to Lewis-Skelly, his family and his representatives, that he wanted him to stay put. He boldly claimed that he was “100 percent certain” sure he would retain the teenager.
Lewis-Skelly started in the Community Shield victory over Manchester City in Cardiff and has since commanded a spot in midfield for the opening three Premier League games - all of which Arsenal have won.
Arteta has veered away from a midfield three, which last season saw the likes of Declan Rice, Martin Zubimendi, Mikel Merino or Martin Odegaard play, to a midfield duo, one of which has been Lewis-Skelly, with a playmaker ahead of them.
The teenager has been a regular in midfield to start the season
The teenager has been a regular in midfield to start the season
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The Arsenal boss also made it clear to the teenager that his versatility was one of his greatest assets. He came into the first-team as a left-back, performing impressively, and that is still a string to his bow.
The academy graduate has continued to play despite the signing of Bruno Guimaraes. The Brazilian joined from Newcastle for £75million and the expectation was that he would start, almost weekly. Rice is a regular whilst Odegaard has enjoyed an electric start to the season.
It is understood that Guimaraes is seen as someone who is more likely to compete with Odegaard and Eberechi Eze. All of which has left Lewis-Skelly playing ahead of World Cup winners Zubimendi and Merino.
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