Arsenal have officially announced that 18-year-old Myles Lewis-Skelly has signed a new long-term contract with the club, extending his stay until the end of the 2029–30 season. Despite prior speculation about a potential switch to Real Madrid, the Hale End graduate has committed his future to his boyhood club.
Real Madrid were reportedly monitoring the situation closely. According to The Times, the Spanish giants reached out to Lewis-Skelly’s camp in hopes of a free transfer once his previous deal expired in 2026.
Inspired by similar scenarios like that of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Madrid had hoped the Arsenal youngster would let his contract wind down and leave without a transfer fee. However, Lewis-Skelly had no interest in leaving North London and turned down any prospect of a move.
The 2006-born defender rapidly rose through the ranks at Arsenal, breaking into Mikel Arteta’s first team and becoming the starting left-back over the course of the 2024–25 season. He made 39 appearances in all competitions, scoring his first goal in a dominant 5-1 win over Manchester City and registering two assists, including one against Real Madrid in the Champions League quarter-finals.
Sources indicate Arsenal have rewarded his breakthrough with one of the most lucrative teenage contracts in world football. He becomes the second player to sign fresh terms with the Gunners this summer, following centre-back Gabriel Magalhaes.
Despite the positive news surrounding Lewis-Skelly, Arsenal still have several key contract situations unresolved. Ethan Nwaneri, who made headlines as the Premier League’s youngest-ever debutant, is yet to sign an extension and could leave for free in 2026.
Talks are also underway to secure the futures of Leandro Trossard, whose contract expires in 2026, and first-team stars Bukayo Saka, William Saliba, and Gabriel Martinelli. The club can extend Martinelli’s deal by a year but will seek longer commitments.
Meanwhile, Thomas Partey is expected to leave as his contract nears its end this month. Arsenal reportedly refused to meet the midfielder’s wage demands in renewal talks.
On the transfer front, deals for Kepa Arrizabalaga, Martin Zubimendi, and Christian Norgaard are said to be near completion, while negotiations with Valencia’s young defender Cristhian Mosquera are also progressing.