Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has brushed off transfer speculation surrounding Myles Lewis-Skelly, saying he welcomes his players being linked with moves to other clubs. The 19-year-old started in Arsenal's midfield in Wednesday's preseason clash with Italian side Como, scoring the opener and celebrating with a heart sign to the crowd.

Lewis-Skelly has been linked with potential transfers to Chelsea and Manchester United following Arsenal's signing of midfielder Bruno Guimarães from Newcastle. Arteta emphasized that speculation is a good sign, noting that it means players attract attention and are doing well.

While Lewis-Skelly signed a five-year contract with Arsenal last summer, his future came under scrutiny after falling behind Riccardo Calafiori and Piero Hincapié, making him third-choice left back. However, he enjoyed an end-of-season resurgence in central midfield. Arsenal now have strong midfield depth with Guimarães joining Declan Rice, Martin Ødegaard, and World Cup winners Martín Zubimendi and Mikel Merino.

Arteta confirmed Guimarães, who joined in a £75 million deal from Newcastle, would make his debut in the Community Shield against Manchester City, adding that the squad is ready to improve further before the transfer window closes.