‘Mikel Arteta makes promises to Lewis-Skelly’ as Arsenal deal edges closer
Myles Lewis-Skelly’s camp are attempting to drum up interest from elsewhere in an attempt to land him a better contract at Arsenal.
That is according to former Man United and Blackburn chief scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that the Gunners are continuing to push towards an agreement.
The 18-year-old sensation’s current deal is set to run until the end of the 2025/26 season, and Mikel Arteta is determined to land an extension.
Arteta views the left-back as a key part of his plans for the future and is set to make promises over his playing time and development during contract talks.
While reported interest in Lewis-Skelly from Real Madrid has raised concerns that the talks may not be straightforward, Brown explained it is only a tactic to land a better deal.
This comes after former Man City financial adviser Stefan Borson told Football Insider that Arsenal will not let Lewis-Skelly leave and he will sign a new deal.
Arsenal push towards Lewis-Skelly agreement after new twist
Arsenal are holding contract talks with a number of players following the end of the season, after Football Insider revealed the Gunners plan to renew Thomas Partey’s deal.
Brown, who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, has insisted talks with Lewis-Skelly are likely to progress despite the talk about outside interest.
“It’s a ploy from the player’s camp to drum up interest,” he told Football Insider.
“If you can put out that Real Madrid, Barcelona or whoever are looking at the player, it makes him more valuable to Arsenal and they have to put more money on the table.
“It happens with most players across the country, contract talks start and then they’re linked with moves.
“Arsenal will feel they’re in a strong position, though, and they’re pushing for that deal.
“They won’t want to see him run down his contract because Mikel Arteta sees him as an important player.
“He’ll tell him as much, make him promises over his playing time and how he’ll play him.
“Ultimately, the decision will be made by the player.
“His team and agents and whoever can do all the talking they like, but if he wants to stay at Arsenal, he’s going to stay at Arsenal.
“I think that’s where all of this is heading, it shouldn’t be too much of an issue.”
Martin Zubimendi twist emerges after Real Madrid latest
Lewis-Skelly’s contract talks are not the only concern for Arsenal as a result of interest from Real Madrid this summer, amid speculation surrounding Martin Zubimendi.
Brown told Football Insider on 9 June that Zubimendi’s head has been turned by Real Madrid as they plan to hijack the Gunners’ deal.
This comes after his move to Arsenal had been seemingly agreed earlier this year before the player cast doubt over his move to the Emirates.
Meanwhile, Brown told Football Insider in February that Zubimendi’s move to Arsenal has been complicated by Madrid’s interest.
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