Mikel Arteta (Arsenal)
Mikel Arteta (Arsenal)
Mikel Arteta has claimed he's been 'fighting with the Premier League' to make a significant rule change following Arsenal's win against Manchester City in the Community Shield.
The English champions ran out comfortable winners as goals from Riccardo Calafiori, Kai Havertz and Martin Odegaard sealed a 3-0 victory at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff. The north Londoners were never in trouble after taking a first-minute lead, and look set to mount another title challenge.
Arteta had the likes of Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice and Viktor Gyokeres to call upon from his substitute bench, while the likes of Gabriel Martinelli, Gabriel Jesus and Ethan Nwaneri didn't even make the matchday squad.
Mikel Arteta Wants the Premier League to Make Change
Mikel Arteta
via Reuters
Despite the impressive squad depth displayed by the Gunners on Sunday afternoon, Arteta isn't happy he has to leave some talented players out altogether. Martinelli, Jesus and Nwaneri have all been linked with moves away from the club this summer.
But Arteta explained that he would have liked to include the trio, as they all 'deserve' a place on the bench at least. "Really sad to not have their availability," he said in his post-match press conference.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta celebrates Champions League win against Atletico Madrid
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta celebrates Champions League win against Atletico Madrid
The Spanish coach claimed to have been fighting with lawmakers in the English top flight to allow more players in the matchday squad. Calling for a change to the current guidelines, which allow nine substitutes per team, he said:
It's not the first time he's mentioned the same regulation, as Arteta pleaded with the Premier League to increase matchday squads from 20 players to 23 in January.
Arsenal Stars Could Be Sold After Community Shield Axe
Gabriel Jesus (Arsenal)
Gabriel Jesus (Arsenal)
Martinelli has been linked with a move to Galatasaray, but the Brazilian winger confirmed he wasn't interested in pursuing a move to Turkey earlier this week. Despite that stance, a transfer away from the Emirates doesn't appear to be off the cards following his Community Shield snub.
Jesus, meanwhile, is behind Havertz and Gyokeres in the pecking order. The former Manchester City forward is among the top earners at the club, meaning a move away could suit all parties. Fabrizio Romano confirmed Nwaneri is set to leave Arsenal too, after spending part of last season on loan at Marseille.