Mikel Arteta has underlined Myles Lewis-Skelly’s value after a promising preseason, describing the teenager’s form as a “good sign” while rival interest continues to surface.

Reports have linked the Arsenal midfielder with outside attention, with The Guardian stating he was “offered” to United and that Chelsea were also “made aware of his availability.” BBC Sport, however, have reported that Lewis-Skelly remains determined to stay at the Emirates Stadium and fight for his place.

The England international added to his preseason momentum by scoring in Arsenal’s latest friendly, netting in the 1-1 draw with Como before celebrating with a heart gesture toward the home support.

Arteta declined to discuss the speculation after the final whistle, but was keen to assess the player’s contribution and attitude.

“It’s good to score a goal, you should be emotional when you score a goal,” Arteta responded when quizzed about Lewis-Skelly’s celebration. “He’s a very emotional player. I remember when he did all the gestures on the pitch [last season]. I’m not going to talk about any speculation.

“If there is a speculation about our player, it’s a good sign. That means that we attract attention and they’re doing a good job.

“I think he had a really good preseason. I think we asked him to play in a different position, because he played more as a six, because we lacked central midfielders, obviously with international duties, and I think he had a really consistent preseason.”

Lewis-Skelly’s immediate future remains unresolved, but his situation also sits against Arsenal’s wider squad planning. The club are looking to recoup funds after spending on Guimarães ($101 million), Christos Tzolis ($45.4 million) and Piero Hincapié ($45.4 million).

As an academy graduate, he would count as pure profit if sold, giving Arsenal greater flexibility before the September deadline. The club have already made four signings this summer, including Illan Meslier on a free transfer, but Arteta made clear more may still be needed.

“There is more that we want to do because every time we have an opportunity to improve the squad and bring more quality and depth to the squad, we need to do that,” Arteta insisted.

“We are actively trying to do so. The thing in the market is that it doesn’t just depend on you. We are very clear on that.

“But the approach, the will and the desire of the club, that’s unquestionable. We want to try to do that. But we cannot promise that we’re going to do it because it doesn’t only depend on us.”

Manchester United and Chelsea have both reportedly declined the chance to sign Arsenal left back Myles Lewis-Skelly, leaving the teenager’s situation in north London looking increasingly uncertain.

Lewis-Skelly has already shown enough to attract attention. He started the Champions League final, but the match ended in heartbreak for the newly crowned English champions. Even so, Arsenal’s long-term picture still appears positive, though perhaps less so for the 19-year-old.

Recent reports said Arsenal placed a $60.8 million (£45 million) valuation on the England international and made him available to United and Chelsea. According to The Telegraph, both clubs quickly turned down the opportunity. There is also a “strong feeling” the defender has been offered to other clubs as Arsenal continue to move their homegrown talent, with any departure producing pure profit.

Chelsea’s refusal is understandable given their recent business. Marc Cucurella has left the starting left-back role this summer, but the club have already secured Pep Chavarría as his replacement. The former Rayo Vallecano player signed a five-year deal on Wednesday and joined Xabi Alonso’s project for a fee of around $28.8 million. Chelsea have now spent more than $400 million this summer, bringing in Morgan Rogers, Maxence Lacroix and Geovany Quenda, among others.

United remain less active in the market, though they are still looking for a left back and a third midfielder after already signing Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans. Lewis-Skelly could have covered both positions, but the club seem to be waiting on Newcastle United left back Lewis Hall instead. They have also been linked with Real Madrid’s Eduardo Camavinga, who can operate in midfield and at left back.

Lewis-Skelly’s breakout 2024-25 season was followed by a reduced role last term. Mikel Arteta preferred Piero Hincapié at left back, while Riccardo Calafiori also took minutes in that area. That pushed the teenager into midfield, where he even kept Martín Zubimendi on the bench for the Champions League final and started alongside Declan Rice.

Mikel Arteta has made clear that Arsenal are still searching for top-level additions after missing out on Vinícius Júnior from Real Madrid.

The Arsenal manager said the club are “trying” to strengthen further, even after the arrival of Bruno Guimarães from Newcastle United gave the squad a timely lift. But for Arteta, the work is not done.

“That’s what we’re trying to do,” Arteta said after Sunday’s defeat to Borussia Dortmund when asked whether fans can expect more new signings.

“It has to be the right player in the market to make us much better. We are very much looking forward to that.”

Arsenal remain in a difficult position as the summer window moves towards its final weeks. They have pursued several targets openly, including Rogers and Vinícius Jr., yet the club are still not close to completing another deal.

A left winger continues to be a key priority. The departure of Leandro Trossard to Beşiktaş was balanced by the arrival of Christos Tzolis from Club Brugge, but Arsenal still appear to want a higher-level option in that area. An upgrade on Gabriel Martinelli would, in the view of the club, raise the side to another level.

Barcola is still available, although he is expected to be extremely expensive. Other possible options, including AC Milan’s Rafael Leão and Athletic Club’s Nico Williams, are also mentioned as players who may yet be available.

Defensive reinforcements are also under consideration. Arteta has already said it will be some time before William Saliba returns from a back injury, while Jurriën Timber is dealing with a groin problem and will miss the start of the season.

Ezri Konsa is understood to sit high on Arsenal’s shortlist. The Guardian reported that an opening bid has already been turned down, with Villa standing firm at $81 million (£60 million).