EXCLUSIVE: Lewis-Skelly to land FIVE-YEAR Arsenal contract alongside Nwaneri

Steve Kay

• Updated: 4 Jan 2025 02:32 CST
• 6 min read

Exclusive

Arsenal are planning to announce new five-year contracts for two of their brightest young talents, Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri, with sources revealing to FootballTransfers that the deals are set to be confirmed simultaneously in March.

The highly anticipated contract extensions are a clear statement of the club’s intent to secure the future of their most promising academy products.

At just 18 years old, Miles Lewis-Skelly has made remarkable progress in the 2024/25 season, impressing both on and off the pitch. Primarily operating as a left-back, Lewis-Skelly has shown remarkable versatility, also stepping into midfield when required and excelling in both roles.

His ability to adapt and contribute across multiple positions has caught the eye of Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, who has entrusted the England U19 international with increasing responsibilities this term.

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In the Premier League, Lewis-Skelly has made six appearances, accumulating 231 minutes of action. His passing accuracy of 96.3% underscores his calmness on the ball, with his technical abilities and tactical intelligence making him a standout. His composure and maturity are qualities that have impressed Arteta and his team-mates alike, especially considering his age.

But it’s not just his domestic form that has been raising eyebrows. Arteta has also handed the young full-back valuable minutes in the UEFA Champions League, where Lewis-Skelly has played three matches, totalling 83 minutes.

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An Arsenal future built on versatility

Lewis-Skelly's rapid rise this season has sparked debate among fans and pundits alike. Some believe that, given his performances, he should be ahead of new signing Riccardo Calafiori and even Oleksandr Zinchenko in the pecking order for the left-back position. This surge in confidence surrounding the young defender underscores just how far he’s come since making his mark at Arsenal’s prestigious Hale End academy.

Senior players have also taken notice of Lewis-Skelly’s potential. Declan Rice, has been particularly vocal in his admiration for the teenager, describing him as being “built in a lab” - a testament to his exceptional blend of physicality and technical skill. Such praise from established internationals highlights the high regard in which Lewis-Skelly is held within the squad.

The new five-year contract for Lewis-Skelly is a clear reflection of Arsenal’s long-term vision. The club is determined to secure its brightest stars for the future, and by locking down both Lewis-Skelly and Nwaneri on long-term deals, they are sending a message to the rest of Europe that their youth development system will continue to produce world-class talent.