Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has urged his squad to show renewed "desire and ambition" as they begin the defence of their Premier League title, and confirmed teenage midfielder Myles Lewis-Skelly will not be sold this transfer window. Arsenal open their campaign against Coventry on Friday night, aiming to retain the championship for the first time since the 1930s, with Arteta stressing that success will depend on the team improving rather than resting on last season's form.

Arsenal have won 17 of their last 18 matches against promoted sides and remain unbeaten at home against Coventry since November 2010, a run of 45 games, and go into the new season on the back of a 3-0 Community Shield win over Manchester City. Lewis-Skelly, 19, had reportedly been offered to Manchester United and Chelsea as Arsenal sought funds following the £75m signing of Bruno Guimarães, but Arteta said he is "100%" confident the academy graduate will stay, praising homegrown players for the special value and connection they bring to the club.