Mikel Arteta has refused to guarantee Myles Lewis-Skelly’s Arsenal future after the teenager scored and produced an emotional celebration against Como.
Lewis-Skelly opened the scoring in Wednesday night’s 1-1 draw at the Emirates before Arsenal won the pre-arranged penalty shootout 4-3.
The 19-year-old then ran towards the supporters, appeared to gesture an apology and made a heart with his hands before touching the Arsenal badge.
His celebration immediately fuelled further speculation after a week dominated by questions over his future.
Arteta responds to Myles Lewis-Skelly Arsenal speculation
Arteta was asked about Lewis-Skelly after the match but declined to provide assurances over whether the academy graduate will remain at Arsenal.
“I don’t want to talk about any speculation,” Arteta said when questioned about his future.
The Arsenal manager instead described interest in his players as a positive reflection on their performances and the club’s work.
Arteta also played down suggestions that Lewis-Skelly’s goal celebration necessarily carried a transfer message, describing him as an emotional player and pointing towards previous celebrations from the youngster.
The comments come after ReadArsenal reported that Chelsea and Manchester United had decided against pursuing Lewis-Skelly.
Lewis-Skelly himself is understood to want to stay at Arsenal and fight for his place, but competition has increased significantly following Bruno Guimaraes’ £75million arrival.
He could hardly have done more to strengthen his case against Como.
Lewis-Skelly started in midfield, scored Arsenal’s only goal and finished pre-season with another positive individual performance.
Arteta’s refusal to discuss his future does not confirm that Arsenal intend to sell him, but it ensures the speculation is unlikely to disappear before the transfer window closes.
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