Arteta insists Lewis-Skelly will stay at Arsenal despite Manchester United interest

Mikel Arteta has firmly shut down talk of Myles Lewis-Skelly leaving Arsenal this summer, telling reporters he is ‘100 per cent’ certain the 19-year-old will still be at the Emirates Stadium when the transfer window closes.

Manchester United had been identified as one of the clubs offered the chance to sign Lewis-Skelly, who can operate at left-back or in midfield. United are searching for cover and competition for Luke Shaw, with Patrick Dorgu expected to push further forward and Harry Amass linked with a departure from Old Trafford. Newcastle’s Lewis Hall had also been on their radar, but the Magpies are unwilling to sell.

Arteta’s comments came in a pre-match press conference and represent the clearest signal yet that Arsenal view Lewis-Skelly as part of their plans. The teenager had a limited run of starts last season but caught the eye in midfield during Arsenal’s 3-0 Community Shield victory over Manchester City.

The manager’s stance does complicate the picture slightly. Arsenal chief executive Richard Garlick had earlier left a door ajar, saying the club would consider departures for homegrown players ‘if the right opportunity came up — right for them and the club.’ Arteta’s blunt one-phrase answer appears to override that nuance entirely.

Lewis-Skelly’s midfield versatility had made him an attractive option for United beyond the left-back role, particularly given their ongoing search for reinforcements in the centre of the pitch. That search appears to be bearing fruit elsewhere, however, with United reportedly closing in on a £60 million deal, plus add-ons, for Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba.