Guimaraes makes Arsenal debut in 1-1 draw with Como

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Arsenal’s Brazilian midfielder #39 Bruno Guimarães gestures during the pre season football match between Arsenal and Como 1907 at the Emirates Stadium in London on August 8, 2026. (Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or ‘live’ services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. /

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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.

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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.

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Lewis-Skelly’s goal, which followed a poor pass from Como goalkeeper Jean Butez, came amid reports the teenage midfielder could be leaving Arsenal.

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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.

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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.

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“He only had three training sessions, but he looked good,” said Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta of Guimaraes. “He was really pushing to play some minutes today.

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“I think he wanted to get his debut and the feeling of playing in front of our fans immediately.

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“And, yeah, you sense immediately, I believe, a strong connection at play that is going to make us better.”

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Gunners midfielder Mikel Merino, looking ahead to the Community Shield, told the club’s social media channels: “It’s another final and we want to win, we want to give the fans more happiness.

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“But especially for us, we want to compete. Wearing this shirt and this badge means a lot and that’s about giving everything and playing to our best capacity.”

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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.

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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.

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