Ian Wright has expressed concern that Myles Lewis-Skelly's status as a homegrown player could make Arsenal more willing to sell the 19-year-old midfielder before the transfer window closes. The Gunners have already agreed a £51 million fee with Aston Villa for Ezri Konsa, and reports indicate the Premier League champions are looking to make at least one significant sale after adding Christos Tzolis and Bruno Guimaraes to their squad.
Wright questions Arsenal's silence on Lewis-Skelly future
Speaking on the Stick to Football podcast, Wright addressed speculation that the Hale End Academy graduate has been offered to both Manchester United and Chelsea. "I don't know where that's coming from because I know for a fact that's not coming from his team," Wright said. "It's not coming from his mum. Arsenal fans need to chill out with his mum saying that she's touting him about."
Lewis-Skelly, who returned to the starting XI in his preferred midfield role at the end of last season, produced an eye-catching display in the Community Shield win over Manchester City last Sunday. The player himself is reportedly happy at his boyhood club and prepared to stay and fight for his place, but Arsenal CEO Richard Garlick has not ruled out a sale should a suitable offer arrive.
Homegrown player status as 'pure profit' risk
Wright highlighted the financial pressure that academy graduates face. "The unfortunate thing you get when you've got a player who comes through the academy and breaks into the first team and does what they do, you've always got that noose of pure profit on them," he said. "It's the same with Ethan Nwaneri. I'm hearing now that they're not going to sell him they want to loan him which I'm quite pleased about because I don't think at any stage he's had a run to have a go at playing in that team."
Wright also questioned the mixed signals surrounding Arsenal's transfer strategy. "You know what's confusing? How can we be in for Vinicius Junior when we're looking to break records trying to sign this guy but now we're desperate to sell. What's going on?" he said. "We've got a big squad and somebody has to leave but it seems like everyone leaving Arsenal is going to Turkey, that's another thing."
Wright urges Arsenal to publicly declare Lewis-Skelly not for sale
Wright expressed frustration that Arsenal has not issued a definitive statement on Lewis-Skelly's availability. "Myles has already said he's happy to stay. Why have Arsenal not just said he's not for sale?" Wright asked. "He'd be a great signing for Manchester United, of course he would. Look what he's doing."
Wright also drew parallels with Gabriel Martinelli's situation. "Martinelli has not been contacted by anybody at the club but has been touted about everywhere, who is doing that? Why is that happening?" he said. The former Arsenal striker concluded that Manchester United's interest is natural given Lewis-Skelly's performances. "When you've got someone like Myles who is playing well, it's unbelievable what he's capable of doing then of course Manchester United will see if something can happen," Wright said. "He doesn't want to leave and that's the thing that's really baffling me is why Arsenal don't just come in and say he's not for sale."
