'It's a good sign': Arsenal's Arteta not worried over Lewis-Skelly speculation

[p][a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/lewis-skelly-myles/bDeyKrHT/"]Lewis-Skelly[/a] has been linked with a move to [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/manchester-united/ppjDR086/"]Manchester United[/a] and [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/chelsea/4fGZN2oK/"]Chelsea[/a] after starting just five times in the Premier League last season.[/p][p]The 19-year-old signed a long-term contract at the Emirates Stadium last year, but his struggle to hold down a regular place in [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/arteta-mikel/lAbHYaQM/"]Arteta[/a]'s side has sparked speculation over his future.[/p][p]When Lewis-Skelly scored in [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/game/soccer/arsenal-hA1Zm19f/como-ttyLthOA/?mid=pCmS9Hj5"]the 1-1 draw with Como at Emirates Stadium on Wednesday[/a], the England international made a heart gesture towards [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/arsenal/hA1Zm19f/"]Arsenal[/a]'s fans in a move that was interpreted as a potential farewell.[/p][p]Gunners boss Arteta did not see it that way however.[/p][p][b]"It is good to score a goal, you should be emotional,"[/b] he said.[/p][p][b]"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 that we are attracting interest and we are doing a good job."[/b][/p][p]Referencing Lewis-Skelly's extravagant goal celebration against [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/manchester-city/Wtn9Stg0/"]Manchester City[/a] - when he mocked [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/haaland-erling/UmV9iQmE/"]Erling Haaland[/a] - in the 2024-25 season, Arteta said the youngster's latest show of emotion was in keeping with his personality.[/p][p][b]"He is a very emotional player, remember when he did the hand gestures (against City),"[/b] he said.[/p][embed guid="d94c5770-c532-4061-a2d1-30ed4a9a00ce" url="https://x.com/Arsenal/status/2087621665165394391" social-type="twitter" /][h2]'Really consistent'[/h2][p]While Lewis-Skelly found it difficult to earn playing time in Arsenal's march to their first Premier League title since 2004, he did start their Champions League final defeat against [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/psg/CjhkPw0k/"]Paris Saint-Germain[/a].[/p][p]Lewis-Skelly broke into the Arsenal team as a left-back but during last season's run-in he was used in central midfield.[/p][p]He impressed in crucial league wins over [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/fulham/69ZiU2Om/"]Fulham[/a] and [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/west-ham/Cxq57r8g/"]West Ham[/a], as well as in the Champions League semi-final second-leg against [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/atl-madrid/jaarqpLQ/"]Atletico Madrid[/a].[/p][p]With Lewis-Skelly's future at the Emirates Stadium in doubt, Arteta acknowledged the importance of the teenager's versatility.[/p][p][b]"He's had a really good pre-season. We asked him to play in a different position because he played more as a No.6,"[/b] he said.[/p][p][b]"We obviously lacked midfielders from international duty. I think he had a really consistent pre-season."[/b][/p][infobox id="314a301d-f483-4867-bbc5-21ccdbccb872" /]