Arsenal have confirmed that star left-back Myles Lewis-Skelly has signed a new five-year deal at the club.
Lewis-Skelly, 18, broke into Arsenal’s first-team last season after coming through the team’s esteemed Hale End academy – which has produced fellow talents such as Bukayo Saka and Ethan Nwaneri in recent seasons.
During his first season as a regular in Mikel Arteta’s side, he made 39 appearances across all competitions.
His performances also earnt him a maiden senior England call-up, as he became the youngest-ever player to score on their Three Lions debut when he netted in 2-0 win against Albania at Wembley and has gone on to win two further caps.
His signature will come as a boost to Arteta, with the youngster’s current deal set to have expired in 2026.
Lewis-Skelly has been a revelation on the left-hand side of Arsenal’s defence, having played more in a central midfield role throughout his time in youth sides.
However, he has still been able to occupy his preferred areas of the pitch thanks to Arteta’s preference for one of his full-backs to invert in midfield.
He made his Arsenal debut in the dying embers of their 2-2 draw against Manchester City as a substitute – when he was booked before he had even come on the pitch.
After John Stones’ 98th-minute equaliser denied 10-man Arsenal a victory following Leandro Trossard’s red card, Erling Haaland appeared to have some choice words for the England youngster at the final whistle.
He appeared to shout ‘stay humble’ in the direction of Lewis-Skelly, provoking unsavoury scenes at the final whistle.
After Lewis-Skelly netted during Arsenal’s 5-1 win over City during the reverse fixture in February, he responded in kind by bringing out Haaland’s notorious lotus-pose celebration, which is commonly used in yoga.
Speaking to the Gunners’ club website, Lewis-Skelly said: ‘I’m so proud and happy. I know those words are simple, but I think they sum up how I feel signing for this club. I’m a fan and it’s like a dream come true.
‘I’ve embodied the values of Hale End and come through. I’ve still got a lot of years ahead of me, so if I can keep staying humble and being a good person, that’s the most important thing to me.
‘I know I’ve taken a lot of experience from the games about the positive moments, the mistakes that I’ve made. I’m definitely more ready now for the next season. I just want to keep learning and keep improving.
‘I want a legacy. I want to win everything there is to win in the game. I want to win trophies on the biggest stages whilst being a person that’s always learning and stays grounded, which is so important.’
