Another promising graduate from Arsenal`s renowned academy system has committed their future to the club. This homegrown talent has agreed to a new long-term deal that will keep them at the Emirates Stadium until at least the summer of 2030.
The player in question, Myles Lewis-Skelly, recently enjoyed a significant breakthrough season in 2024-25. Despite being only 18 years old, he made 39 appearances across all competitions and earned his first senior caps for England, notably marking his debut for the Three Lions with a historic goal.
Demonstrating maturity beyond his years, Lewis-Skelly reportedly took an unconventional approach to his contract negotiations with Arsenal. According to The Athletic, he initiated discussions by presenting his own vision and plans to key club officials, including head coach Mikel Arteta, academy manager Per Mertesacker, former interim sporting director Jason Ayto, and director of football operations James King.
During his presentation, Lewis-Skelly detailed his experiences coming through the Hale End academy, outlined his personal values and future aspirations. He drew inspiration from other elite athletes and their processes, specifically citing Kobe Bryant`s `mamba mentality` as an example of the “killer instinct” he aims to embody on the football field. He also expressed his desire to continue wearing his No. 49 shirt and discussed the broader support network he envisions for his career development, highlighting his anticipation for a long and successful collaboration with Arsenal.
Those who attended the presentation were reportedly deeply impressed by Lewis-Skelly`s unique and professional approach, describing it as a “unique experience” that generated “enormous pride” within the club`s hierarchy. His maturity and vision were subsequently rewarded with a contract that is reported to place him among the “highest-paid teenagers in world football.”
Rupert Caldwell 
Tristan Blackwood