‘Secure Their Long-Term Future’ – Arsenal Legend Implores Club To Tie Duo Down

By The Editor
on 26th March 2025

Ray Parlour wants Hale End pair tied down…

Former Arsenal midfielder Ray Parlour has urged the club to move proactively and secure the long-term future of Hale End pair Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri, HaytersTV reports.

Lewis-Skelly has risen through the ranks at an incredible rate this season after making his Arsenal debut in September, whereby he’s now the de facto left-back for club and country.

The 18-year-old marked his first England cap with a goal and a man-of-the-match performance, with Thomas Tuchel deciding to start him again in the following World Cup qualifier against Latvia.

Nwaneri also experienced his own promotion in terms of an international call-up and netted a wonderful goal 10 minutes into his England U21 debut.

The forward is slightly behind Lewis-Skelly in his development from a tactical and physical perspective, but his imperial talent is undoubted.

It’s why Gunners ‘Invincible’ Parlour wants the club to be proactive and tie the pair to long-term deals for the next six years.

“Securing their long-term future is pretty key,” Parlour said.

“As much as you want to bring new players into the club, you’ve got to keep your best players as well.

“It will certainly be on their radar to say, look, we’ve got to tie them down here to five or six-year contracts, no doubt about that.”

Parlour will be happy to read a recent report from the Daily Mail that Nwaneri is close to agreeing a new five-year deal to thwart pursuits from rival clubs.

It remains to be seen if Lewis-Skelly is also nearing an extension, though it would seem that may be a deal all parties believe is a formality considering the direction of travel.

The versatile midfielder is likely still on the same deal he signed for his first professional contract, and any extension would come with a significant pay rise.