Arteta rules out Myles Lewis-Skelly exit with '100 per cent' certainty amid United interest

Mikel Arteta has declared himself “100 per cent” certain that Myles Lewis-Skelly will remain at Arsenal beyond the summer transfer deadline, dismissing reports linking the teenager with a move to Manchester United and other rival clubs.

Lewis-Skelly, 19, played a key role in central midfield during the back end of Arsenal’s title-winning Premier League campaign last season, attracting attention from elsewhere in the process. Asked directly how sure he was the academy product would stay, Arteta’s answer was unequivocal: “100 per cent.”

Winger Ethan Nwaneri has also been the subject of transfer speculation, but Arteta used the opportunity to underline the club’s broader philosophy on homegrown talent. “They bring something else,” he said. “We need to look after them in a special way and protect them.”

Arsenal begin their Premier League title defence on Friday evening when newly promoted Coventry City visit the Emirates Stadium. The Gunners have already strengthened their squad this summer with the arrivals of winger Christos Tzolis and midfielder Bruno Guimaraes, and Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa is set to follow in a £50m deal that could see him feature as early as the Coventry fixture.

Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice are both fit and available after starting on the bench in last weekend’s Community Shield victory over Manchester City, having only recently returned to training following the World Cup.

Guimaraes, however, is a doubt after finishing the Community Shield with ice strapped to his leg. Arteta offered cautious optimism: “Let’s see how he is. He’s evolving really well.”

Defensively, Arteta faces further concerns. Jurrien Timber has not yet returned to first-team training, while William Saliba remains sidelined with a long-term back injury.