Arsenal CEO discusses their plans for two homegrown stars

In partnership with

Just Arsenal News

·20 August 2026

Arsenal CEO discusses their plans for two homegrown stars

Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly are two of the finest players Arsenal have produced from their academy in recent times, with both having featured for the senior team.

Although Arsenal have one of the best academies in the world, it remains difficult for young players to establish themselves in the first team. Nwaneri and Lewis-Skelly therefore deserve significant credit for fighting their way into Mikel Arteta’s plans despite facing competition from a squad filled with experienced and expensive players.

OneFootball Videos

Youngsters Face Competition for Places

Arteta is doing his best to ensure the team remains in top form, while the squad contains many quality players with greater experience than Nwaneri and Lewis-Skelly. This contributed to their limited playing time last term.

Nwaneri spent the second half of the campaign on loan at Olympique Marseille, and the attacker could be sent out on loan again. Arsenal have several top players in their current squad and will be looking to perform well and retain the league title, meaning both youngsters could again struggle for regular opportunities.

This has led to suggestions that Nwaneri and Lewis-Skelly could leave the club. However, Arsenal’s CEO Richard Garlick has addressed their futures and made it clear that the club are not actively seeking to sell either player.

Arsenal Open to Suitable Opportunities

Garlick also acknowledged that other clubs are interested in the youngsters and that Arsenal will consider opportunities if they benefit everyone involved. He said to BBC Sport:

“I can’t stop other clubs being interested. I think Myles has had a fantastic end to last season and has started this one really well, we’re very, very happy with him.

“Ethan has had a great pre-season as well and I think it’s just a case of looking at what opportunities there are that will help both of those in terms of their career moving forward. We are not actively looking at selling those homegrown players but if the right opportunity came up, right for them and the club, we’d obviously consider that.”

The comments suggest Arsenal remain committed to both players while recognising that regular football could be important for their development. A loan move could therefore be considered if it provides the right opportunity, particularly for Nwaneri after his experience at Olympique Marseille.

For now, Arsenal appear keen to retain control over the futures of both academy products. Their performances have impressed the club, and the Gunners will continue to assess how best to help them develop while competing for major honours.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________ ADMIN COMMENT

So here are some simple rules which I must insist commenters follow….

You agree not to give any personal abuse to other Arsenal fans. Everyone is allowed to hold their own opinions even if you disagree with them. It COSTS NOTHING TO BE POLITE TO OTHER ARSENAL FANS.

CALLING ALL ARSENAL FANS! Anyone who would like to contribute an Article or Video opinion piece on JustArsenal, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us through this link…