The reigning Premier League champions Arsenal will kick off the new season of the world's most popular top flight, facing the newly promoted Coventry City – led by Frank Lampard – at the Emirates Stadium tonight (22.00).However, even before their opening clash – and, hopefully for their fans, a first victory – the Gunners were given a reason to rejoice, as their manager Mikel Arteta revealed exciting news at the pre-game press conference.BETTING GUIDE: Arsenal vs Coventry City, match preview, team news and predictionAmid long-standing rumours about Myles Lewis-Skelly's departure and reports linking the 19-year-old with several clubs – from Chelsea to Manchester United – the Spanish tactician was asked how confident he was that the youngster would stay at the Emirates."100 per cent," Arteta said firmly, as quoted by Sky Sports, before moving on to explain the importance of the club's academy players.Mikel Arteta confirms that Myles Lewis-Skelly is 100% staying ✅ pic.twitter.com/S9FbOa8Zi7— Connor Humm (@TikiTakaConnor) August 20, 2026 "The players that have been raised in our [academy] system and they feel that love and connection with the club, it brings something else. There is no question about that.""We need to look after them in a very special way because they bring value that is very difficult to [find]. That's why, when we can, we have to protect those assets as much as possible, develop them, and make them very important for the club."England international on his way to London to bolster Arsenal's defenceLewis-Skelly joined Arsenal in 2015 as a nine-year-old and hasn't left since. He was promoted to the first team three years ago, but initially struggled to establish himself as one of the key players, largely due to his young age.However, he has recently emerged as one of Arteta's trusted lieutenants, who named him in the starting XI for both the Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain in May and against Manchester City in the Community Shield clash five days ago, when Lewis-Skelly repaid the coach's faith in him with an assist for Riccardo Calafiori's early opener.The 19-year-old's contract with the Gunners expires in 2030.PREMIER LEAGUE – MATCHDAY 1Friday22.00: (1.20) Arsenal (6.75) Coventry (14.0)Saturday14.30: (8.50) Hull (4.80) Manchester United (1.43)17.00: (2.25) Everton (3.50) Crystal Palace (3.40)17.00: (2.80) Ipswich (3.25) Sunderland (2.60)17.00: (2.35) Nottingham Forest (3.45) Leeds (3.20)19.30: (2.50) Brentford (3.50) Tottenham (2.95)Sunday16.00: (2.30) Brighton (3.50) Aston Villa (3.25)16.00: (1.53) Manchester City (5.00) Bournemouth (6.00)18.30: (3.90) Newcastle (3.70) Liverpool (2.00)Monday22.00: (3.70) Fulham (3.80) Chelsea (2.00)***odds are subject to change***
51