Miles Lewis-Skelly pens first professional contract with Arsenal

Arsenal teenager Myles Lewis-Skelly has signed his first professional contract with the club following his impressive progress in the youth system.

The 17-year-old joined the Gunners academy during the summer of 2015 and he has been a key player in the youth age groups over the past few years.

This season, he has been in good form with one goal and three assists from just six outings and has now put pen-to-paper on a professional deal.

He told the club’s official website: “It means the world to me, my boyhood club ever since I can remember. To play for Arsenal, I’m truly speechless. It feels amazing. I’m so delighted because, since I was a boy, I’ve been dreaming of this moment.”

“To say that I’m a professional football player now is a dream come true for me and I just want to thank all the staff and all my family that came to support me. For the support around me, I couldn’t be any more grateful.”

Lewis-Skelly is a defensive midfielder by trade but he is also comfortable from the number six role. The youngster is strong when it comes to winning tackles and duels.

However, he has also been impressive with his movement higher up the field. He has a good work rate and has the ability to get behind opponents with his dribbling skills.

The teenager is definitely one to watch out for in the coming seasons. Judging by his early progress, he has the credentials to become a key player for Arsenal in the long-term.

As things stand, Arsenal are loaded with midfield options. They have Declan Rice, Thomas Partey, Jorginho, Kai Havertz and Mohamed Elneny for the central positions.

The club are likely to invest on more high-profile players in future. The onus is on Lewis-Skelly to continue his rapid development to catch the eye of manager Mikel Arteta.

Him being left-footed should improve his chances of breaking into the first-team. Arteta tends to prefer a right and left-footed combination in the centre of the park.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com