Mikel Arteta has moved to cool speculation over Ethan Nwaneri’s Arsenal future after the midfielder was left out of the squad for Sunday’s 3-0 Community Shield victory over Manchester City.
Nwaneri’s absence immediately attracted attention after reports suggested the 19-year-old is expected to leave Arsenal before the transfer window closes. Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus were also omitted from the matchday group in Cardiff.
However, Arteta has now offered a different explanation.
Speaking after Arsenal lifted the trophy, the Spaniard pointed to the restriction allowing him to name only nine substitutes and revealed he wants Premier League matchday squads expanded.
“Really sad not to have their availability,” Arteta told talkSPORT.
🚨⚠️ Ethan Nwaneri will leave Arsenal before the end of the summer transfer window, as planned weeks ago.
He’s not even on the bench today against Man City despite being involved in pre-season. pic.twitter.com/HgWbob3Mmv
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 16, 2026
Ethan Nwaneri Arsenal transfer picture becomes less clear
Arteta’s comments do not guarantee Nwaneri will remain at the Emirates Stadium.
Only two days earlier, the Arsenal manager openly acknowledged that the Hale End graduate needs regular football and suggested keeping him would only make sense if the club can provide enough minutes. ReadArsenal covered Arteta’s initial Nwaneri transfer hint on Saturday.
That remains the central issue.
Arsenal have added considerable competition to Arteta’s squad, while Nwaneri returned this summer after making only 11 appearances during his loan spell at Marseille.
But the Community Shield omission can no longer be treated as straightforward evidence that a transfer is imminent.
Arteta specifically used Martinelli, Jesus and Nwaneri as examples while arguing that a larger bench would allow him to involve more senior players. He wants Premier League squads brought closer to the 23-player format available in European competition.
Arsenal still face major Nwaneri decision
Interest in Nwaneri is genuine.
AC Milan have previously made an enquiry, while RB Leipzig, Everton and Fulham have also been linked. ReadArsenal reported Milan’s approach last month.
The more interesting question now is whether Arsenal genuinely believe they can satisfy Arteta’s own requirement of giving Nwaneri enough football.
Sunday did not answer that.
But Arteta’s latest intervention does alter the interpretation of his omission and suggests Arsenal’s decision may be less advanced than the initial team sheet implied.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta hails squad depth after 3-0 Man City rout
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta hails squad depth after 3-0 Man City rout
Watch Arsenal vs Man City highlights | Community Shield
Watch Arsenal vs Man City highlights | Community Shield