Arsenal star issues firm transfer statement to Mikel Arteta

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Cameron Smith | Digital Content Producer

Accredited sports journalist covering football since 2020

Myles Lewis-Skelly sent a firm statement of intent to Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta with his performance against Manchester City in the Community Shield final on Sunday afternoon.

The Gunners officially opened their 2026-27 campaign with a commanding 3-0 win over Enzo Maresca’s side, thanks to a Riccardo Calafiori strike inside the first 30 seconds, a header from Kai Havertz in the 28th minute and a Martin Odegaard effort in the second-half.

While Calafiori’s run and finish were both fantastic to open the scoring, it was Lewis-Skelly who created the opportunity with a smart drop of the shoulder to get beyond Phil Foden and an excellent incisive pass in behind the City defence.

The England international has been heavily linked with an Arsenal exit in recent weeks, with Chelsea and Manchester United both tipped to pursue a deal, and it has been reported that a sale will be considered if the Gunners receive a suitable bid.

However, Lewis-Skelly proved exactly why Arsenal can’t afford to sell him on Sunday afternoon.

The 19-year-old delivered a world-class assist to set the Gunners on their way at the Principality Stadium, while his all-round performance in the middle of the park was also exemplary.

Lewis-Skelly won the midfield battle against €135 million man Elliot Anderson and after establishing himself as a starter during the latter stages of last season, in place of Martin Zubimendi, there is no reason why the England star can’t play a pivotal role for Arsenal this term.

Declan Rice and Bruno Guimaraes may well establish themselves as Arteta’s preferred pivot behind club captain Martin Odegaard, but Lewis-Skelly is one of the most talented young players in Europe and Arsenal will seriously regret selling him if they sanction a sale before Deadline Day.

Myles Lewis-Skelly wants to stay

While reports suggest that a sale may take place before Deadline Day on 1 September, it’s understood that Lewis-Skelly has no interest in leaving his boyhood club, despite his lack of game time last season.

The England star wants to stay at the Emirates Stadium for the foreseeable future and he all but confirmed this stance after scoring versus Como on Wednesday.

Following his strike in the 33rd minute, Lewis-Skelly made a heart sign with his hands before repeatedly patting the Arsenal badge on his chest while walking back towards the halfway line, taking in the applause of the Gunners fanbase in the process.

With his goal celebration, Lewis-Skelly hinted that an exit isn’t on his mind, and Arteta was eager to swat aside any questions regarding the 19-year-old’s future at the Emirates Stadium.

“It's good to be emotional after scoring, you should be emotional when you score a goal,” Arteta told reporters after the match when asked about Lewis-Skelly’s celebration.

“He's a very emotional player, you see with his gestures on the pitch. I'm not going to talk about speculation - if there is speculation about our players, it's a good sign - that means our players attract attention and are doing a good job.”