Myles Lewis-Skelly Backs Noni Madueke Amid Fan Doubts

Myles Lewis-Skelly Throws Full Support Behind Noni Madueke Ahead Of Season Kick-Off

As the Arsenal squad gears up for the new campaign on their sun-soaked pre-season tour of Southeast Asia, academy star Myles Lewis-Skelly has stepped forward to show full support for the club’s latest signing, his England youth teammate, Noni Madueke. In doing so, he’s subtly pushed back against the noise surrounding the winger’s arrival.

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Over recent weeks, a vocal section of the Arsenal fanbase took to social media to question the signing of Madueke, launching a short-lived but spirited #NoToMadueke campaign. But for those inside the dressing room, especially those who know the player beyond the headlines, the response has been quite different.

“Noni is my guy!” Arsenal.com quoted Lewis-Skelly saying with a grin in Singapore, where the Gunners have been met with thunderous support during their Asia tour. “We get on so well, and we are so similar. I’m really happy he’s joined us.”

Having played together for England at youth level, the pair have built a bond both on and off the pitch. “Even when I joined up with the national team, he made me feel so welcome. And so vice versa, when he came here, I made him feel welcome as well,” Lewis-Skelly added.

Madueke’s transfer was confirmed just before Arsenal flew out for their pre-season tour, but after featuring for Chelsea in the Club World Cup earlier in the summer, the 22-year-old winger has been given extra rest. He’s expected to join up with Mikel Arteta’s squad upon their return to London.

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For Lewis-Skelly, there’s no doubt about the kind of player Arsenal are getting: “He’s so direct, can play on the left or right wing. His qualities are going to help us out so much. I’m so excited to have him because he’s going to bring a lot to the team.”

His comments offer a timely and personal counterbalance to the scepticism surrounding the move, reminding fans that chemistry, camaraderie, and character can’t always be seen on a spreadsheet.

Lewis-Skelly, still just 17, has been soaking up every moment of the tour. After a strong second-half showing in Arsenal’s 1-0 win over AC Milan on Wednesday, he’s now setting his sights on Sunday’s clash against Newcastle United.

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He’s also been reconnecting with his roots, his grandparents once lived in Singapore, and soaking up the warm local reception.

“I love it, the people are so nice and it’s so clean here,” he said. “Connecting with the fans has been great. Everybody is so happy to see each other. We're so grateful for their support, and we know nothing is possible without support like this.”