Myles Lewis-Skelly has an uncertain future at Arsenal
Myles Lewis-Skelly sent a clear message after scoring for Arsenal in the pre-season clash wtih Como.
Myles Lewis-Skelly sent a clear message after scoring for Arsenal in the pre-season clash wtih Como.(Image: (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images))
View 2 Images
Myles Lewis-Skelly sent a clear message about his dedication to Arsenal with his celebration during Wednesday's 1-1 draw with Italian side Como.
The 19-year-old has attracted interest from Premier League rivals Chelsea and Manchester United, amid doubts about his long-term future at the club.
The Gunners academy graduate, who started the pre-season friendly playing in midfield, pounced on a mistake from Como goalkeeper Jean Butez to put the hosts in front just after the half hour mark at the Emirates Stadium.
Lewis-Skelly then celebrated with heart sign gesture towards supporters as he celebrated, before tapping the badge on his shirt on his way back to the centre circle.
He was also seen blowing a kiss to the Gunners faithful, with doubts about his future just a year on from signing a five-year deal with the club.
And yet, his future is a doubt after falling behind Riccardo Calafiori and Piero Hincapie in the pecking order to become Mikel Arteta's third-choice left-back.
It meant he made just five Premier League starts throughout the campaign, but enjoyed a late-season revival when deployed in his preferred role in centre-midfield.
*FOLLOW OUR ARSENAL FB PAGE!Latest Gunners news, analysis and much more via our dedicated Facebook page*
However, Arsenal are well stocked in midfield and have just splashed £75m to sign Newcastle United captain Bruno Guimaraes.
The Brazilian will compete with Declan Rice, captain Martin Odegaard and World Cup winners Martin Zubimendi and Mikel Merino for a starting berth.
Myles Lewis-Skelly scored for Arsenal in their pre-season clash with Como 1907
Myles Lewis-Skelly scored for Arsenal in their pre-season clash with Como 1907(Image: Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
View 2 Images
Guimaraes made his first appearance in an Arsenal shirt following his move to the Gunners, coming on at the half-time interval, while Lewis-Skelly was withdrawn in the 62nd minute by Merino.
When asked about Lewis-Skelly's celebration and transfer interest in the midfielder, Arteta said: "Emotional? It's good to score a goal.
"It's a very emotional player. I remember when he did the action on the pitch. Interest in our player is a good sign."
The Premier League champions were pegged back by Champions League-bound Como, managed by former Gunners midfielder Cesc Fabregas, after Martin Baturina levelled matters in the 43rd minute.
However, Arsenal edged the penalty shootout 4-3, with Guimaraes and fellow summer recruit Christos Tzolis both converting from the spot.