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Mikel Arteta has praised Myles Lewis-Skelly for delivering a "really good preseason" and considers it a "good sign" that Premier League competitors are reportedly keen on acquiring the versatile young talent.
The 19-year-old's future remains unclear amid swirling transfer rumours, particularly following Arsenal's recent signing of Bruno Guimarães. The midfielder, who can also operate at left back, has attracted reported interest from both Chelsea and Manchester United.
The Guardian reported that Lewis-Skelly was "offered" to United, while Chelsea were also "made aware of his availability." However, BBC Sport have maintained that the player is determined to remain at the Emirates Stadium and compete for his spot.
The England international found the net during Arsenal's latest preseason friendly, marking his goal in the 1–1 draw against Como with a heart gesture directed at the Emirates faithful.
Arteta declined to address Lewis-Skelly's future after the final whistle, but took the opportunity to lavish praise on the youngster following an eye-catching performance.
Arteta Welcomes Lewis-Skelly Speculation
"It's great to score a goal, you should feel something when you score a goal," Arteta said when asked about Lewis-Skelly's celebration. "He's a very emotional player. I remember all the gestures he made on the pitch [last season]. I'm not going to comment on any speculation.
"If there is speculation about one of our players, that's a positive sign. It means we're attracting attention and they're performing well.
"I think he had a really good preseason. We asked him to play in a different role, more as a six, because we were short of central midfielders due to international commitments, and I think he was really consistent throughout preseason."
Lewis-Skelly's future remains uncertain despite Arteta's encouraging assessment of his displays, with Arsenal looking to recover some of the funds spent on Guimarães ($101 million), Christos Tzolis ($45.4 million) and Piero Hincapié ($45.4 million).
The academy product would represent pure profit if sold, enabling the Gunners to reinvest across their squad ahead of the transfer deadline at the beginning of September.
More Transfers on the Cards for Arsenal
Arsenal have already completed four signings this summer, with Illan Meslier arriving on a free transfer alongside the previously mentioned trio. Nevertheless, Arteta is pushing for further additions to his Premier League title-chasing squad.
"There is more that we want to do, because whenever we have a chance to strengthen the squad and add quality and depth, we must take it," Arteta stressed.
"We are actively working towards that. The nature of the market is that it doesn't solely depend on you. We are very clear on that.
"But the approach, the will and the desire of the club — that's beyond question. We want to make it happen. But we can't promise we will, because it doesn't only depend on us."
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Arsenal are said to be keen on bringing in another defender before the window shuts, with William Saliba's long-term injury potentially pushing them into the market. Aston Villa's Ezri Konsa, capable of playing right back and center back, has been mentioned as a target.
A further addition in attack cannot be ruled out either. Vinícius Júnior had been of considerable interest before he signed a new deal with Real Madrid, while the club are also said to admire Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola.