Myles Lewis-Skelly appeared to underline his commitment to Arsenal after setting aside transfer speculation to score in Wednesday’s 1-1 friendly draw with Italian club Como.
The 19-year-old has been linked with the Gunners’ Premier League rivals Chelsea and Manchester United amid uncertainty over his future.
Starting in midfield, he capitalised on an error from Como goalkeeper Jean Butez to slot the hosts ahead in the 33rd minute at Emirates Stadium.
Lewis-Skelly then made a heart sign to the crowd as he celebrated before tapping the club badge on his shirt on his way back to the centre circle.
The England international signed a five-year contract with Arsenal last summer but his long-term future has come under scrutiny since he fell behind Riccardo Calafiori and Piero Hincapié last term to become Mikel Arteta’s third choice left back.
While he started only five Premier League games across the course of the campaign, he enjoyed an end-of-season resurgence in his natural role of centre midfield.
Arsenal, however, are well-stocked in that position after signing Bruno Guimarães to join Declan Rice, captain Martin Odegaard and World Cup winners Martín Zubimendi and Mikel Merino.
Brazil international Guimarães, who joined in a £75 million deal from Newcastle on Saturday, was introduced at halftime against Como to make his Gunners debut, while Lewis-Skelly was replaced in the 62nd minute by Merino.
The Premier League champions were pegged back by Champions League-bound Como, who are managed by former Gunners midfielder Cesc Fabregas, when Martin Baturina equalised in the 43rd minute.
But Arsenal won the penalty shootout 4-3, with Guimarães and fellow summer signing Christos Tzolis on target.
