Arsenal are reportedly preparing to enter talks with Myles Lewis-Skelly's camp over a new contract following his rapid rise to first-team stardom.
Alongside fellow teenager Ethan Nwaneri - who is currently out with a muscular injury - 18-year-old Lewis-Skelly has become a fully-fledged member of Mikel Arteta's first team this season.
The youngster started out as a defensive midfielder before making the switch to left-back, where he has seamlessly slotted into Arteta's system this season, jumping above Kieran Tierney and Oleksandr Zinchenko in the pecking order.
Lewis-Skelly earned high praise in particular for his battling display in Wednesday's 2-1 North London derby win over Tottenham Hotspur, showcasing immense composure and confidence on the ball to wriggle out of danger.
The 18-year-old hyped up the Emirates crowd as he was substituted towards the end of his fourth Premier League start, and he has now made 15 appearances in total for the Gunners in all competitions this season.
Arsenal 'very happy' with Lewis-Skelly progress
© Imago
According to Fabrizio Romano, Arsenal are now set to step up their efforts to secure Lewis-Skelly's long-term future with a new and improved contract, having been left extremely happy with his development.
Romano adds that talks will soon begin with the entourage of the England Under-19 international, who has represented the club since 2015, and he is seen as a fundamental part of their long-term project.
Last year, Arsenal successfully tied Nwaneri down to his first professional contract, and the 17-year-old is also believed to be in line for a long-term extension in the near future, as players under 18 cannot sign deals longer than three years.
The Gunners have prioritised new deals for key stars over the past couple of years, also reaching agreements with Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka, William Saliba and Ben White in recent times.
Lewis-Skelly 'could not stop smiling' after derby win
© Imago
Lewis-Skelly was overjoyed with the way he performed in Wednesday's win over Spurs, telling Arsenal's official website: "I'm feeling every emotion possible; I'm on cloud nine! I was a kid watching the derbies and know how much it means to the fans, it's everything. To experience it today, I can't stop smiling.
"This game means more. I prepare the same, but it's the feeling going into the game with the fans. You've got to give it everything and more. I'm happy I helped the team. The most important thing was getting the three points, building momentum and I'm happy with how I played.
"We're buzzing now, ready to go on and kick on now so good team morale. Thank you to Mikel for giving me the chance again, so I'm grateful. Onto the next one!"
Arsenal's comeback win over Ange Postecoglou's side lifted them back up to second place in the Premier League table, four points behind leaders Liverpool having played a game more.
The Gunners now prepare to host Aston Villa on Saturday evening, where Lewis-Skelly will be expected to start at left-back again if Riccardo Calafiori fails to recover from a muscular injury in time.
Ben Knapton
