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20 Aug 2026 | 12.51
Premier League
PUBLICIDAD
Mikel Arteta faces the final days of summer with two important decisions at Arsenal this transfer market: the club is willing to consider offers for Myles Lewis-Skelly, aged 19, and Ethan Nwaneri, also 19, if the proposals satisfy both the club and the players. The arrival of Bruno Guimarães for 75 million pounds has increased competition in midfield.
The sports management's position is not to obligatorily put either on the market. Richard Garlick, Arsenal's CEO, has stated that the club will consider any scenario that can favor its sporting progress and also fit within the squad planning.
Mikel Arteta has an excess of alternatives in midfield
The issue for Mikel Arteta lies in the number of players available for the same positions. Bruno Guimarães has signed a four-year contract, with an optional additional season, after leaving Newcastle in a 75 million pounds deal.
In addition to this signing, there are players like Declan Rice, Martin Ødegaard, Martín Zubimendi, Mikel Merino, and Eberechi Eze. The competition particularly affects Lewis-Skelly, who initially played as a left-back but has gained prominence as a midfielder in recent months. Remember that Xabi Alonso tried to sign Lewis-Skelly just a few days ago.
His performance in that position peaked in the Champions League final on May 30. Arteta fielded Myles Lewis-Skelly as a starter in midfield against PSG, ahead of Zubimendi, and the academy player remained on the field until the 91st minute.
The Englishman has also started the new season well. He featured in the 3-0 win against Manchester City in the Community Shield, providing an assist, reinforcing his case to continue getting minutes despite the competition in his position.
Ethan Nwaneri returns from Marseille with an open future
The situation of Ethan Nwaneri is different. The forward was loaned to Olympique de Marseille in January after playing only 12 games with Arsenal in the first half of the 2025/26 season, four of which were as a starter.
His loan spell in France also did not completely solve the issue of game time. Nwaneri returned this summer, and Mikel Arteta has emphasized that, at 19 years old, he needs to compete regularly to continue his development. The myriad offensive and attacking midfield options now limit his space within the squad.
Nwaneri also has a long-term contract with Arsenal. He extended it until 2030 before going on loan to Marseille, so the club is not under any contractual urgency and can demand high financial terms if any team seeks a permanent transfer.
Interest exists. Fulham, Everton, and RB Leipzig are among the clubs recently linked with Nwaneri, with options also reported in Germany such as Bayer Leverkusen.
Arsenal will entertain offers without pressuring sales
Garlick has left open that possibility in a window where Arsenal has already invested close to 150 million pounds. The club's policy is to retain its key academy players but also to assess operations that can balance a squad with numerous options.
The coming days will determine the extent of this openness. Mikel Arteta currently has Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri, but a significant offer and a project guaranteeing playing time could alter the situation for either player before the market closes.
This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Los 2 dolorosos descartes de Arteta en el Arsenal