The 24-year-old has been the subject of transfer speculation all summer, with reports of a big-money move to both AC Milan and Barcelona.

Last season's 30-goal frontman, though, on Friday dismissed the rumours and pledged he was ready to sign a new contract extension, declaring himself happy within the Arsenal "family".

However, when he was announced to the crowd as starting the game against Juventus on the bench, some of the home support inside a packed Emirates Stadium made their feelings perfectly clear.

Yet following a busy display as a second-half substitute during the 1-0 defeat, once the 6ft 3ins African is back on the goal-trail when the action starts for real, you suspect it will not be long before he is in all Gunners' good books once more.

Manager Arsene Wenger had opted for a youthful starting XI, which included summer signing Aaron Ramsey, the Wales Under-21 midfielder, Mexican starlet Carlos Vela and 16-year-old Jack Wilshere, sporting the number 55, while Swiss defender Philippe Senderos stood in as captain.

The Serie A team, under the guidance of former Chelsea manager Claudio Ranieri, had the likes of Czech international Pavel Nedved, France's World Cup winner David Trezeguet and former Aston Villa centre-back Olof Mellberg in their side.

After 13 minutes, Wilshere - who netted his first senior goals during the tour of Austria - fired in a low angled volley at the far post following a deep cross from the right.

Arsenal won a free-kick in a central position on the edge of the penalty area when the dangerous Vela was tripped by Giorgio Chiellini - but Nicklas Bendtner fired over.

Ramsey, signed from Cardiff for £5million, weaved into the box and had his shot blocked by the legs of Italian number one Gianluigi Buffon.

With 10 minutes left to half-time, a near-post header from Trezeguet beat Lukas Fabianski, but the effort ruled offside.

However, the visitors were ahead soon afterwards when this time the assistant's flag stayed down as the Frenchman - who again looked well ahead of the last man - turned in a low, 25-yard free-kick from Marco Marchionni.

Wenger sent on club captain William Gallas, Adebayor, Abou Diaby and fit-again Bacary Sagna for the second half.

Arsenal had more of an edge about then now, with Denilson almost making contact with a glancing header at the far post before Emmanuel Eboue fired wide.

On the hour, Wenger made a further three changes, which included Theo Walcott and a home debut for Samri Nasri, the £12million summer signing from Marseille.

Adebayor just could not get enough power on a downward header to trouble Buffon as the Premier League side pressed.

Bendtner's angled drive was beaten away at the near post before Adebayor volleyed over after being set up by his striker partner.

Arsenal continued to work the ball well around midfield, but just lacked a cutting edge to unlock the stubborn Italians.

With almost the last kick of the game, Adebayor then almost won it when a curling shot drifted inches wide.

In the day's earlier game at Emirates Stadium, Real Madrid - whom Arsenal face on Sunday - beat Hamburg 2-1 with goals from former Manchester United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy and Daniel Parejo.