‘No worries with either’… Arsenal on the brink of agreeing new long-term contracts with two key players

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Arsenal are close to agreeing new long-term contracts with Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri, Arsenal Insider understands.

Lewis-Skelly has established himself as the Gunners’ first-choice left-back this season, while Nwaneri has cemented himself as the deputy for both Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard.

The pair of Hale End academy graduates’ breakout seasons have prompted the Emirates hierarchy to rush to tie them down for several years to come.

Both players reportedly have a year left on their current deals, and thus, Arsenal are keen to reach an agreement as soon as possible, so they can turn their attention to more senior players’ contractual situations.

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Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri close to new Arsenal contracts

Earning a purported £4,000 and £6,000 a week respectively (via Capology), both Lewis-Skelly and Nwaneri are in line for significant pay increases that reflect their importance within Mikel Arteta’s squad.

Lewis-Skelly is now an England international and starting regularly for Arsenal in big matches, and deserves a wage package that is reflective of this role.

Meanwhile, Nwaneri has netted nine times in all competitions this season, with only Kai Havertz and Saka scoring more for the North London outfit.

TBR Football’s transfer expert, Graeme Bailey, told Arsenal Insider that they are both in line for new deals, and that the club are supremely confident both will sign.

“They’re progressing well,” he said.

“I think Lewis-Skelly is slightly further ahead than Nwaneri in talks, last time I spoke to them. But, no worries with either at this point.

“Obviously, nothing’s done until it’s done, but both will be signed up by the start of next season.

“The expectation is that they’ll both be done by the end of this season. Talks are progressing, they’re going well, both players are happy. All good.”

Myles Lewis-Skelly’s statistics 2024/25

Nwaneri is perhaps the more eye-catching talent, given he excels in the final third, but Lewis-Skelly is the more refined player at this point in time, and is now a constant in Arteta’s team.

Exceptional at retaining possession in difficult situations, the left-back is developing his ability to progress the ball through expansive passing and aggressive carries between the lines.

His press resistance and ability to win fouls are incredibly valuable traits for a team that like to draw the opposition onto them and then play through the lines of pressure.

Lewis-Skelly is yet to be dribbled past this season, developing a reputation as a lock-down defender who can deal with any winger in world football.

If he can add more layers to his game in terms of influencing proceedings a little more in the final third, then he’ll become an incredibly well-rounded full-back.