Arsenal chief executive Richard Garlick has refused to rule out the possibility of academy graduates Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri leaving the club before the transfer window shuts. In comments to the BBC, Garlick acknowledged that while the club is not actively seeking to sell the homegrown pair, a suitable offer could prompt consideration.
“We are not actively looking at selling those homegrown players,” Garlick said. “If the right opportunity came up and it was right for them and it was right for the club then we’d obviously consider that.” His remarks follow earlier comments to talkSPORT where he appeared to dismiss speculation, saying, “We’re very happy with Myles and the position he’s in at the club.”
Transfer Window Pressures and Squad Needs
Arsenal have spent modestly this summer after winning the Premier League title last season. New signings Christos Tzolis and Bruno Guimaraes have been added, but manager Mikel Arteta still wants a defender to cover for the injured William Saliba and an attacker after failed pursuits of Morgan Rogers and Vinicius Junior. To fund these additions, the club may need to sell players, with Gabriel Jesus, Fabio Vieira, and Reiss Nelson expected to depart, and Gabriel Martinelli’s future uncertain.
The potential sale of a Hale End Academy graduate could raise significant funds. Nwaneri appears the most likely candidate after being left out of the matchday squad for Sunday’s Community Shield win over Manchester City, during which Lewis-Skelly impressed in midfield. Lewis-Skelly has been linked with moves to Manchester United and Chelsea, with a reported asking price of £45 million.
Garlick’s Stance on Homegrown Talent
In his BBC interview, Garlick emphasized the club’s pride in its academy but stressed the importance of player development. “We obviously believe in our academy and have been very successful with the players that have come through that academy, Myles and Ethan being two of those,” he said. “Everybody loves to see those homegrown players coming through and pulling on the shirt and contributing to the success of the team.”
He added that trading players is a normal part of football, and the club cannot stop other clubs from showing interest. “There’s been a lot of speculation surrounding players. I can’t stop other clubs being interested in our players,” Garlick noted.
Player Form and Future Decisions
Garlick praised both teenagers’ recent performances, noting Lewis-Skelly’s strong end to last season and start to this one, and Nwaneri’s impressive pre-season. He said the club will evaluate opportunities that could benefit their careers, but reiterated that no active sale is underway.
The final decision will depend on offers that align with both player and club interests. As the transfer window enters its final fortnight, Arsenal face the challenge of balancing squad strengthening with financial constraints, while potentially parting with two of their most promising young talents.
