Online Reporter
MYLES LEWIS-SKELLY reminded Arsenal fans that his heart is firmly in North London amid mass speculation around his future.
The Hale End academy graduate poured cold water over rumours of an Arsenal exit with his goal celebration during the Gunners’ 1-1 pre-season draw with Como.
Lewis-Skelly’s future at Arsenal was thrown into doubt this week after he was offered to Manchester United and Chelsea following the arrival of £75m man Bruno Guimaraes.
But the 19-year-old is adamant to stay and fight for his place in the squad and made it crystal clear at the Emirates on Wednesday night.
Lewis-Skelly tucked home the opener in Arsenal’s final pre-season friendly, before raising a love heart to the Emirates faithful to tell them what the club means to him. His goal was a reminder to Mikel Arteta just how talented he is, if he even needed one.
The midfielder pressed high and got in the way of Como goalkeeper Jean Butez’s botched clearance, nodding it straight into the path of Gabriel Martinelli. Martinelli played the ball straight back to Lewis-Skelly to stroke into the bottom corner. It was a simple finish, but one that the Emirates crowd absolutely adored given the context of Lewis-Skelly’s week. The supporters had already given him an exceptionally loud welcome when his name was read out pre-match, and their reaction to his goal was even more raucous.
Unfortunately for him, and for boss Arteta, his opener didn’t last very long as Como were level just 10 minutes later. Martin Baturina wriggled his way into a pocket of space inside the area with a stunning piece of skill, leaving teenage duo Theo Juienne and Max Dowman helpless.
The Croatian midfielder then unleashed a stunning strike into the top-left corner to beat Kepa Arrizabalaga and level the score.
It was much to the enjoyment of Como boss Cesc Fabregas, who was given a warm welcome from the home support on his return to the Emirates Stadium. Lewis-Skelly was later joined in midfield by the very man that had cast doubt over his future—Bruno Guimaraes.
The Brazilian was introduced at half-time to give Arsenal supporters a first glimpse of his abilities, following the completion of his £75m move last week. His inclusion is a boost for Arteta ahead of Sunday’s Community Shield clash against Manchester City.
The Arsenal boss looks set to be without Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi for the curtain-raiser, who both missed out on the matchday squad yesterday, alongside Bukayo Saka, despite returning to training on Monday. If they are available, it seems unlikely that they will be able to play a large chunk of the game this weekend.
David Raya made his return after tasting World Cup glory with Spain, in a boost to Arteta’s squad ahead of the weekend. Martinelli was given an hour of action despite interest from Galasaray arriving this week.
The Turkish club are thought to have tabled a bid in the region of £38.5m for the Brazilian winger.
Arsenal are open to moving Martinelli on, but are expected to want a fee closer to £52m for the 25-year-old. Any deal would boost Arsenal’s transfer kitty as they prepare for more incomings before the end of the window.
The Gunners could also be in for a transfer windfall from the sales of former players Nuno Taveres and Folarin Balogun —who both look set for departures from their current clubs.
Arsenal hold a 17.5 per cent sell-on clause for Balogun following his 2023 move to Monaco, and a second clause worth up to 25 per cent in Tavares’ terms at Lazio.
Arteta will know this wasn’t a great performance, but a draw against a fellow Champions League side and some minutes in the legs of crucial players will be enough to keep him happy ahead of the Community Shield.—Sun.
