Mikel Arteta refuses to guarantee ‘emotional’ Lewis-Skelly’s future at Arsenal after cryptic goal celebration

MIKEL ARTETA was not making any commitments when asked about Myles Lewis-Skelly’s future after Arsenal’s pre-season clash with Como. The academy graduate, 19, has been a favourite amongst Gunners fans since breaking into the first-team set-up in 2024. Mikel Arteta refused to rule out a sale of young star Myles Lewis-Skelly Credit: Getty The full-back and occasional midfielder was reportedly offered to other Premier League clubs this week Credit: Getty But now the full-back’s future hangs in the balance after claims emerged that he had been offered to a number of other clubs this summer. Lewis-Skelly wore his heart on his sleeve about a potential move away after scoring his side’s only goal in their friendly with Cesc Fabregas‘ Como on Wednesday. Sign up for the Arsenal newsletter Thank you! After tucking away the opener to give his side the lead, the teenager ran towards the fans and appeared to hold his hands up in apology, before making a heart symbol towards the supporters. The surprising choice of celebration left some fans speculating about what was in the cards for Lewis-Skelly in the near future. But his manager was not interested in discussing what the future could bring, instead refusing to confirm or deny the rumours about an imminent exit. He said after the match: “It is good to score a goal, you should be emotional. He is a very emotional player, remember when he did the hand gestures [against Manchester City]. “I don’t want to talk about any speculation. If there is speculation about any of our players it is a good sign. “It means what we are attracting interest and we are doing a good job.” Most read in Sport CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS Lewis-Skelly showed Arsenal fans a heart after scoring in their friendly against Como on Wednesday Credit: Getty Premier League rivals Chelsea and Manchester United were both reportedly told the youngster was on the market, though a deal would require them to stump up more than the record £35million which Arsenal sold Alexander Oxlade-Chamberlain for in 2017. Lewis-Skelly had increasingly been deployed in the midfield under Arteta last season, but with the arrival of Bruno Guimaraes on a £75million deal from Newcastle, it seems he is now not seen as essential for the Spaniard’s title defence efforts. United are said to be weighing up a move for the star in the event that they miss out on Lewis Hall. But the Red Devils could be put off by the significant fee required to prise him away from the Emirates. Comment now