Arsenal have received two very encouraging updates after retaining control of the Premier League standings in controversial fashion at West Ham. The Gunners secured a contentious 1-0 victory on Sunday following a stoppage-time VAR decision that ruled out Callum Wilson's dramatic equaliser.
Mikel Arteta has a busy schedule ahead, with a Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain also on the horizon. However, there is plenty happening off the field that is stirring cause for encouragement around the Emirates Stadium. Two new developments are offering Arsenal hope after recent comments hinted at two players' futures and where they lie.
Lewis-Skelly Addresses Future
Amid the tensions surrounding Arsenal's title struggle, Myles Lewis-Skelly's contract situation has been a side story gathering pace in recent weeks. The 19-year-old only signed a new deal last year, but there have been concerns he could be headed for the exit after making just four Premier League starts this season. Three of those have come since the start of April, including 90-minute performances in midfield during recent wins over Fulham and West Ham. He also performed well in midfield during the Champions League semi-final second leg against Atletico Madrid, earning more minutes in Europe this term than he has in the league.
However, Lewis-Skelly demonstrated his team ethos with his comments after the West Ham result as he said: "I am focused on the games that we have got coming up and bringing this club back to glory." When asked how the squad was feeling following the dramatic late developments against West Ham, he added: "Just joy, excitement, fulfilment - everything you can describe. We are buzzing, but we know that the job is not done. We have got two more finals left now. The next one is Burnley - and then we go on from there."
It serves to illustrate the teenager's work ethic and sense of humility that he is putting the club before any personal ambition. With another four years to run on his current deal, there is little reason for Lewis-Skelly to feel rushed. After finding a newfound sense of belief from his manager acting in a midfield capacity, their relationship appears strong once more. For the time being at least, any fears regarding a potential Lewis-Skelly exit in the summer seem to be a thing of the past.
Howe Discusses Anthony Gordon
One very current storyline relates to the links between Arsenal and Newcastle winger Anthony Gordon. That is after the England international was once again an unused substitute in the Magpies' 1-1 draw against Nottingham Forest on Sunday. Arsenal fans would do well to take heed of Eddie Howe's words when quizzed about Gordon's situation after the game. Gordon, 25, has been frequently linked with a move to the Emirates, though the Newcastle chief initially suggested his no-show at the City Ground was natural following a recent hip injury.
"Obviously, he has returned from an injury," said Howe after Saturday's result. "I am looking at the team, and I am pleased with how the team has performed in the last three games. So I didn't want to make too many changes." However, one has to wonder why Gordon was named on the Newcastle bench at all if he still was not quite ready to feature. It was a later remark around preparing for the future that may intrigue Arsenal fans.
Speaking in a radio interview, he added: "It was tactical. The team has performed well in Anthony's absence, we have gone with a bit more solidity with Joelinton playing wide. One winger on one side to strengthen us defensively as we weren't happy with how we were defending. Since January, we have been disappointed with a strange structure. Ant has come back to fitness and is training well but also I am looking at the future."
That remark in particular has stirred speculation change could be on the horizon for Gordon once more. The winger is supposedly valued at up to £75 million - £35 million more than Newcastle initially paid to sign him from Everton in 2023 - and could improve an Arsenal attack that has lacked bite at times this season.
