Arsenal's Academy Stars: Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri's Future
Arsenal are refusing to slam the door shut on two of their brightest academy stars – because this summer’s business might depend on them.
Chief executive Tim Lewis-Garlick has admitted that Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri could be sold if the right offer lands on the table, as the club weigh up how to fund the final phase of their transfer window.
Title winners, tight margins
Arsenal, fresh from their title-winning campaign, have moved quietly rather than explosively in the market so far. Christos Tzolis and Bruno Guimaraes have arrived to deepen Mikel Arteta’s squad, but the manager still wants more.
A defender is on the list, with William Saliba sidelined through injury and cover needed at the back. A new attacker is also being targeted. To make that happen, Arsenal may need to cash in – and the most valuable assets are often the ones raised in-house.
That is where Lewis-Skelly and Nwaneri come in.
Lewis-Skelly shines, Nwaneri left out
The contrast between the two teenagers’ weekends was stark.
Nwaneri, long regarded as one of the crown jewels of the academy, did not even make the matchday squad for Sunday’s Community Shield win over Manchester City. His absence only intensified talk that he could be the one to go if a major bid arrives.
Lewis-Skelly, by comparison, stepped straight into the spotlight. Deployed at the heart of Arsenal’s midfield, the England youth international produced a composed, authoritative display that belied his age. It was the kind of performance that turns interest into concrete offers.
He has already been linked with a £45 million move, with Manchester United and Chelsea both circling. Two of Arsenal’s biggest rivals, eyeing one of Arsenal’s brightest prospects.
Garlick leaves the door ajar
Speaking to the BBC, Garlick tried to strike a careful balance: proud of the academy, but pragmatic about the market.
“I think Myles has had a fantastic end to last season and he’s started this season really well and we are very very happy with him,” he said. “Ethan’s had a great pre-season as well and it’s just a case of looking at what opportunities there are that will help both of those players in terms of their careers moving forwards but we are not actively looking at selling those homegrown players.
“If the right opportunity came up and it was right for them and it was right for the club then we’d obviously consider that.”
No hard ‘not for sale’. No flat refusal. Just a clear message: bring the right offer, and Arsenal will listen.
Pride in Hale End, reality of the market
Inside the club, there is no doubt about how highly both youngsters are rated. Lewis-Skelly and Nwaneri have consistently impressed the first-team coaching staff throughout pre-season, justifying the long-standing belief in Hale End’s production line.
“We obviously believe in our academy and have been very successful with the players that have come through that academy, Myles and Ethan being two of those,” Garlick added. “Everybody loves to see those homegrown players coming through and pulling on the shirt and contributing to the success of the team.
“It’s not something that we aim to just sell only homegrown players, as I say trading players is something that comes up all the time. There’s been a lot of speculation surrounding players. I can’t stop other clubs being interested in our players.”
That is the tension at the heart of Arsenal’s summer. A club that celebrates its homegrown heroes may have to sacrifice one to strengthen a title-winning squad for another push.
The bids will decide how ruthless they are prepared to be.
