Myles Lewis-Skelly has set his sights on winning “everything there is to win in the game” after signing a new long-term Arsenal contract that will make him one of the best-paid teenagers in the world. The 18-year-old has been rewarded for a breakthrough season during which he became the youngest player to score on his senior debut for England.
Lewis-Skelly, who joined Arsenal’s academy at eight, is understood to have committed his future to Arsenal until 2030 after making 23 Premier League appearances last season.
There had been rumours of interest from Real Madrid after his performances against them in the Champions League quarter-final, but Arsenal were keen to wrap up a new deal with Lewis-Skelly about to enter the final 12 months of his first professional contract, signed in 2023. Both were negotiated by his mother and agent, Marcia Lewis, whosaid last week he was “enjoying his football” at the Emirates.
“I just want to keep learning and keep improving,” Lewis-Skelly told Arsenal’s website. “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.”
- Download the Guardian app from the iOS App Store on iPhone or the Google Play store on Android by searching for 'The Guardian'.
- If you already have the Guardian app, make sure you’re on the most recent version.
- In the Guardian app, tap the Menu button at the bottom right, then go to Settings (the gear icon), then Notifications.
- Turn on sport notifications.
Lewis-Skelly, who was in Paris on Wednesday for fashion week, scored on his international debut against Albania and has won three caps.
“I’m so proud and happy,” Lewis Skelly said of signing the new deal. “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.”
Talks continue over new contracts for Bukayo Saka, William Saliba, Ethan Nwaneri – who along with Lewis-Skelly has been nominated for the Professional Footballers’ Association’s young player of the year award – and Leandro Trossard, with Arsenal confident they will extend their deals.
