Wright urges Arsenal fans to stop targeting Lewis-Skelly's mum amid transfer rumours

Ian Wright has publicly defended Myles Lewis-Skelly’s mother and agent Marcia, urging Arsenal fans to stop accusing her of engineering a move away from the Emirates Stadium amid swirling transfer speculation linking the teenager with Chelsea and Manchester United.

Speaking on The Overlap’s Stick to Football, Wright was unequivocal: “Arsenal fans need to chill out with his mum. Saying that his mum is touting him about. Myles has already said that he’s happy to stay.” The former Gunners striker added that he knows “for a fact” the transfer noise is not originating from Lewis-Skelly’s camp, and questioned why Arsenal have not simply stated the 19-year-old is not for sale.

Lewis-Skelly emerged as one of Arsenal’s most exciting academy products during the 2024-25 season, initially nailing down the left-back berth before a dip in consistent game time fuelled speculation about his future. He eventually worked his way back into the side in a more natural midfield role towards the end of the campaign. The subsequent arrival of Bruno Guimarães from Newcastle United has since intensified questions over his long-term place in Mikel Arteta’s plans.

Wright broadened his concern beyond Lewis-Skelly, suggesting a wider problem with how Arsenal’s transfer business is being handled. “Martinelli has not been contacted by anyone at the club but is being touted about everywhere,” he said. “Who is doing that? Why is that happening?” He appeared to point the finger at intermediaries operating without the club’s knowledge or blessing.

Gary Neville argued on the same programme that Lewis-Skelly would represent a strong signing for Manchester United, while Jamie Carragher noted that transfer stories of this nature rarely emerge from nothing. “Stuff like that doesn’t come out without something, does it?” Carragher said, before also raising the possibility that Arsenal may need to generate funds through player sales, potentially allowing them to bank a significant fee for a homegrown player.

Wright pushed back on that logic, pointing to Arsenal’s reported pursuit of Vinícius Júnior as evidence the club are not in a position of financial desperation. “They’re saying we need to sell — how can we then be in for Vini Jr?” he said. “We’re trying to break records to try and sign this guy, but then now we’re desperate to sell?”

Lewis-Skelly himself has not publicly indicated any desire to leave, and Wright’s intervention is likely to add further pressure on Arsenal to clarify the player’s status before the transfer window progresses.