Emotional Farewell After Goal? Arsenal Coach Dismisses Transfer Speculation

Pulse Sports Team 15:51 - 13 August 2026

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta remained tight-lipped on whether 19-year-old Myles Lewis-Skelly will stay with the team following his emotional goal celebration in a pre-season friendly against Italian side Como.

The young talent is reportedly linked with a potential move to Manchester United or Chelsea, having started only five Premier League matches for Arsenal last season.

Lewis-Skelly signed a long-term contract with the Emirates Stadium club a year ago, but his struggle to secure a regular starting spot under Mikel Arteta has fueled speculation about his future.

Arsenal drew 1-1 with Como, with Lewis-Skelly scoring the lone goal for the English side. His celebration, forming a heart shape with his hands towards the fans, was widely interpreted as a potential farewell to the club. However, Arteta dismissed such interpretations.

"It's good to score goals, one should be emotional. I don't want to discuss any speculation. If there's interest in our players, it's a good sign that they're attracting attention, and it means we're doing a good job," Arteta stated.

Referencing Lewis-Skelly's extravagant goal celebration against Manchester City in the 2024/2025 season, where he playfully mocked Erling Haaland, Arteta explained that such emotional displays are part of his personality. "He's a very emotional player; remember his hand gestures against City," the coach added.

Lewis-Skelly initially played as a left-back but transitioned to a central midfield role towards the end of last season. He excelled in crucial league victories over Fulham and West Ham, as well as in the Champions League semi-final against Atletico Madrid.

Arteta praised the youngster's versatility and consistent performance during pre-season, where he was deployed as a defensive midfielder to compensate for the absence of other midfielders. "He had a really good summer preparation. We asked him to play in a different position because he's been playing more as a defensive midfielder recently," Arteta noted.

Lewis-Skelly also started for Arsenal in the 2025/2026 Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain, further demonstrating his potential despite limited regular league playing time.