Arsenal huddle
Image credit: Getty Images
Arsenal are optimistic that teenage sensation Myles Lewis-Skelly will commit his long-term future to the club this summer, amid rumoured interest from Spanish giants Real Madrid.
The 18-year-old full-back, who signed his first professional contract in October 2023, is entering the final year of his current deal. However, according toThe Sun, the Gunners are calm about the situation, with negotiations ongoing since January and hopes high that a new contract will be finalised before the start of pre-season next month.
Lewis-Skelly has publicly reaffirmed his loyalty to Arsenal, cooling speculation of a move abroad by expressing his desire to win “back-to-back trophies” in North London. The highly rated Hale End graduate has enjoyed a meteoric rise over the past season, establishing himself as Mikel Arteta’s first-choice left-back and earning a senior England debut, where he marked the occasion with a goal in March.
READ MORE: Former Arsenal star favourite to land huge managerial job
New sporting director Andrea Berta is reportedly playing an active role in securing the futures of key young talents, with Lewis-Skelly, fellow Hale End product Ethan Nwaneri, and first-team regulars Bukayo Saka, William Saliba, and Gabriel all in line for new or improved terms.
Myles Lewis-Skelly
Myles Lewis-Skelly (Image credit: Getty Images)
Arteta has been vocal in his desire to retain the club’s brightest prospects, saying in April: “The most energy we have to put in is making sure the players we have with us are happy, they feel valued, very much part of what we’re doing.”
Lewis-Skelly, a lifelong Arsenal fan, reflected on his journey and future ambitions: “Without Hale End, we wouldn’t be here. It’s everything… the friendships, the values. I’m a fan of the club, so I grew up watching them on TV, going to the games. In your mind, you’re always wanting to get where [the first team] is at.”
CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE NOW ARSENAL WHATSAPP GROUP CHAT NOW!
Now a key member of the first-team setup, Lewis-Skelly has made significant contributions since his Premier League debut in September, helping Arsenal push for silverware after several near-misses.
Meanwhile, attacking midfielder Ethan Nwaneri, also 18, is in talks over an extension after signing his first professional deal in March 2024. Nwaneri, who has been with the club since age nine, made 37 appearances in all competitions this season, scoring nine goals and becoming one of the most exciting teenage attackers in Europe.
Like Lewis-Skelly, Nwaneri is expected to receive a substantial pay rise and remains committed to his development under Arteta, trusting the manager’s vision and pathway for young talent.
NEXT ARTICLE: £50m target surprisingly chooses Manchester United over Arsenal and Newcastle