Myles Lewis-Skelly has agreed a new long-term contract with Arsenal after being the subject of a transfer approach from Real Madrid.
The 18-year-old was yet to make his first-team debut this time last year but is now viewed as one of the best young players in the world.
Lewis-Skelly enjoyed a breakout season after being handed his first minutes for Arsenal in September, going on to make 39 appearances in all competitions.
He was one of Mikel Arteta’s key players as Arsenal challenged for the Premier League title – eventually finishing second for the third year in a row – and reach the semi-finals of the Champions League.
By the end of the season Lewis-Skelly was one of the most important players at the Emirates Stadium and began to attract interest from Real Madrid.
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The La Liga giants were reportedly taken aback by his performances in the Champions League quarter-final clash and expressed interest in bringing him to the Bernabeu.
A move to arguably the biggest club in the world has proved tempting for other players – including ex-Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold – but Lewis-Skelly is ready to commit his long-term future to Arsenal.
Lewis-Skelly has been in talks with Arsenal over a new deal for several weeks and reports say an agreement has now been struck, with an official announcement expected shorty.
As well as establishing himself as a key player in north London, Lewis-Skelly also broke into the England team and became the youngest player to score on his senior debut for the Three Lions in March.
He also featured for England during their recent fixtures and looks set to be a vital cog in Thomas Tuchel’s team ahead of next summer’s World Cup.
How good is Myles Lewis-Skelly?
Jamie Carragher heaped praise on the Arsenal youngster earlier in the year and compared him to Wayne Rooney, one of England’s greatest ever players.
‘Players of my generation didn’t have to be spectacular to play full-back but he is spectacular at full-back,’ the ex-Liverpool and England defender said on CBS Sports.
‘He almost looks like one of the best players in the Arsenal team. His football arrogance reminds me a bit of Jude Bellingham at that age, also Wayne Rooney.
‘Those players had no fear and Lewis-Skelly is exactly the same because he looks like he’s been playing all his life. He is very, very special.’
More contract talks ongoing at Arsenal
Lewis-Skelly is set to put pen to paper on a new contract after Arsenal defender Gabriel signed a new four-year deal with the club.
The Gunners are also hoping to tie Bukayo Saka, William Saliba, Ethan Nwaneri and Leandro Trossard down to new deals, but are struggling to agree terms with Thomas Partey.
Partey will become a free agent at the start of July and has attracted interest from several European clubs, including Barcelona and Atletico Madrid.
After committing his long-term future to Arsenal, Gabriel said: ‘I arrived here as a young player and after almost five years I’m so happy and I’ve learned a lot.
‘I’m so proud of myself, it’s an amazing journey, and I’m so happy to continue it. I hope I win some trophies with this club, because I love this club and my family loves the club, too.
‘Arsenal is an amazing club and I’m so proud to sign a new contract. I love the supporters, my team-mates, I love this stadium. I’m so proud and thank you for all the support. We continue together for the future.’
While Arsenal work on new contracts for several players, they are also pushing to bring a number of new signings to the club.
Arteta is desperate to sign a new striker this summer and the Gunners have made Viktor Gyokeres and Benjamin Sesko their top two targets for that position.
Meanwhile, Spain midfielder Martin Zubimendi looks set to become Arsenal’s first summer signing in a £55m deal from Real Sociedad.
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