Arsenal Ready to Break Bank for Academy Sensation with Record-Breaking Youth Contract

Arsenal are working to secure a long-term contract with their promising academy left-back Myles Lewis-Skelly following his impressive breakthrough campaign under manager Mikel Arteta.

At just 18 years of age, Lewis-Skelly played a significant role throughout the season due to Riccardo Calafiori's injury issues and Arteta's preference for alternatives over Oleksandr Zinchenko and Kieran Tierney. He achieved the remarkable feat of making his Champions League, Premier League, and England senior debuts all within the same campaign, becoming the youngest player in national team history to find the net in his inaugural appearance. His strike against Manchester City instantly elevated him to fan favorite status.

The club appears determined to secure his services for years to come. According to The Athletic, a fresh contract between Arsenal and the young defender is nearing completion—an agreement that would position him among the highest-earning young players globally. Charles Watts has also indicated that an official announcement is anticipated in the near future.

The English prospect demonstrated versatility in operating as both an inverted and overlapping full-back. His standout qualities included exceptional ball protection skills, consistent possession retention, and a bold approach to the game. His finest displays came during the Champions League quarterfinal encounters with Real Madrid.

Lewis-Skelly made the most of an encouraging pre-season showing and subsequently secured regular playing time once the competitive fixtures commenced. This involvement is expected to expand further in the upcoming season.

Despite the well-deserved praise he received, he also faced scrutiny over his disciplinary issues. Notably, he received a yellow card before even making his Premier League bow in Arsenal's intense stalemate with Man City at the Etihad Stadium. Across 23 appearances, he was dismissed twice, including a disputed red card against Wolverhampton Wanderers. Lewis-Skelly was also fortunate to avoid ejection during the Champions League knockout encounter with PSV Eindhoven.

Lewis-Skelly wasn't the sole Hale End graduate to make his mark during the previous season. Ethan Nwaneri stepped up admirably during Bukayo Saka's injury absence for an extended period, demonstrating his scoring instinct when drifting inside onto his preferred left foot.