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Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta hailed Myles Lewis-Skelly after the youngster found the net in a pre-season draw against Como. The game also featured the much-awaited first appearance of new signing Bruno Guimaraes. Amid growing transfer speculation around Lewis-Skelly, the teenager appeared to signal his commitment to the club with an emotional celebration during the friendly.

Lewis-Skelly stands out amid transfer speculation

Myles Lewis-Skelly has been the subject of increasing transfer rumours, with Standard Sport reporting that Chelsea and Manchester United were given the opportunity to sign the academy graduate. However, the youngster responded in the best possible way on the pitch during the friendly.

Arsenal wrapped up their pre-season schedule with a 1-1 draw against Cesc Fabregas' team, with Lewis-Skelly putting his boyhood club ahead in the first half.

After capitalising on a poor pass from Jean Butez, he made a heart gesture towards all four stands and thumped the badge on his chest - a celebration that suggested he is ready to remain at the club he has represented since the age of eight.

Arteta praises emotional goalscorer

Speaking after the match, Arteta addressed the media and quickly turned to the display of the young midfielder. The Arsenal boss said he was delighted by the contribution made by the academy graduates.

On Lewis-Skelly, Arteta said: "Emotional? It's good to score a goal. [He's] a very emotional player. I remember when he did the action on the pitch. Interest in our player is a good sign."

The manager also underlined the value of bringing young players into the senior side, adding: "It's amazing, that is what it is all about. Hale End does an amazing job, but if you don't play this talent, give trust to this talent, it gets lost."

Guimaraes makes his Arsenal debut

The match also gave supporters their first look at Guimaraes after his £75 million transfer. Arteta sent on the Brazilian midfielder along with Martin Odegaard and Viktor Gyokeres at half-time.

Even though Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka were left out of the matchday squad, the Gunners still fielded a strong line-up and eventually won 4-3 on penalties, with David Raya producing two sharp saves.

On Guimaraes' early impression, Arteta said: "Let's see, he only had three training sessions but he looked good. He was pushing to play minutes and play in front of our fans. You sense a strong connection immediately."

What next for Arsenal?

Arsenal will now shift their complete focus to Sunday's Community Shield meeting with Manchester City. Arteta and his players will be aiming to lift their first trophy of the new season. The manager has also confirmed that the club still want to remain active in the transfer market to strengthen the quality of the squad before the window shuts.