Arsenal midfielder Myles Lewis-Skelly sparked confusion among supporters after delivering an apologetic goal celebration during Wednesday's pre-season friendly against Italian side Como at the Emirates Stadium.
The 19-year-old opened the scoring on 33 minutes before the Gunners went on to win 4-3 on penalties following a 1-1 draw. However, his actions after finding the net raised questions among fans following recent reports linking him with a summer transfer move to Chelsea or Manchester United.
After breaking the deadlock, Lewis-Skelly ran towards a corner of the crowd before spinning around to face all sections of the stadium with his hands held up in a prayer pose, as if offering an apology. He followed the gesture by turning his hands into a love heart before being congratulated by his team-mates.
Following multiple embraces from fellow Arsenal players, the teenager repeatedly patted the Arsenal badge on his chest. The unusual sequence left a section of supporters puzzled on social media regarding the context behind his celebration.
Fan reactions on social media
Followers of the North London club quickly took to social media platform X to interpret the youngster's body language. Journalist Layth (@laythy29) shared footage of the opening goal on August 12, 2026, writing: "Goal! Arsenal 1-0 Como. Myles Lewis-Skelly scores and receives a huge cheer from Gooners here at the Emirates".
One fan account wrote that Lewis-Skelly "clearly just feels bad for the s*** rumours that have been going on." Another supporter argued that the player had no reason to apologize, stating: "He doesn't need to apologise for nothing [sic]. Proper Hale End." A third fan added: "He's got nothing to apologise for….!"
Transfer interest from Premier League rivals
The speculation surrounding Lewis-Skelly comes after Daily Mail Sport reported on Tuesday that the player has been offered to both Chelsea and Manchester United. Arsenal completed a £75million signing of midfielder Bruno Guimaraes from Newcastle United last week, a move that could further restrict Lewis-Skelly's first-team playing time in the upcoming season.
Lewis-Skelly signed a new contract with Arsenal last year following his breakout season into the senior squad. However, after experiencing limited minutes during Arsenal's Premier League title-winning campaign, there is belief the champions may be willing to move the Hale End youth academy product on.
Chelsea are understood to have long held an interest in Lewis-Skelly, though it remains unclear whether the Blues will put down an official offer. Fresh contact has been made with both Chelsea and Manchester United, while other Premier League clubs are assessing whether to make a move for the versatile 19-year-old.
