Guimaraes makes Arsenal debut in Como friendly / Photo: Glyn KIRK - AFP
Guimaraes makes Arsenal debut in Como friendly
Bruno Guimaraes made his first Arsenal appearance as the Premier League champions were held to a 1-1 draw by Como in their final pre-season friendly at the Emirates on Wednesday.
Guimaraes, signed for a reported £75 million ($101 million) from top-flight rivals Newcastle last week, was introduced at half-time after Myles Lewis-Skelly's opening goal for Arsenal had been cancelled out by Martin Baturina.
Lewis-Skelly's goal, which followed a poor pass from Como goalkeeper Jean Butez, came amid reports the teenage midfielder could be leaving Arsenal.
The 19-year-old celebrated his goal by making a heart gesture with his hands, in Arsenal's last friendly before Sunday's Community Shield against Manchester City.
Guimaraes received a warm welcome from the home fans but the Gunners were unable to find a winner after Baturina fired past Kepa Arrizabalaga for Como's equaliser before half-time.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta left out Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi despite their returns from World Cup duty this week, but there were first pre-season cameos for Eberechi Eze, David Raya, Mikel Merino and Noni Madueke.
The two sides played out a penalty shootout after the game with Arsenal winning 4-3 as new signing Christos Tzolis powered in the decisive spot-kick.
M.Chandra--MT
