Mikel Arteta’s omission of Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Martinelli, Ethan Nwaneri, as well as Reiss Nelson and Fabio Vieira, were a strong indication that the attacking options are surplus to requirements at Emirates Stadium this season.
With the Gunners impressing in the 3-0 Community Shield win over Manchester City, speculation turned to Arteta’s continued pruning of his Premier League winning squad, with the futures of his Brazilian duo the headline act in the final weeks of the transfer window.
Arteta played down that concern after the win, but the reality is they’re behind Noni Madueke, Christos Tzolis, Kai Haverts, Eberechi Eze, Max Dowman, Buakayo Saka and Victory Gyokeres in the pecking order. There were no injury doubts either, and they played mid-week against Cesc Fabregas’ Como in a friendly.
Arteta told TNT Sports: “It’s really sad to not have that availability.
“They deserve to be in the squad. Hopefully we can change that rule. Yes, they are all really important for us.”
The Athletic linked Galatasaray with a bid for Martinelli last week, but the Brazilian reportedly wants to fight for his place at the Premier League club, while Jesus has been linked with Napoli.
Mikel Arteta and Gabriel Martinelli in discussion. Photo: Getty Images
As for Nwaneri, the teenage talent is one who the club could reportedly sell with a buy-back or send on loan.
“Ethan needs to play football,” Arteta stated. “If he stays here, it’s because we can guarantee that he can have those minutes. Otherwise, it’s just something that is not good for anybody, I think.”
Nelson and Vieira meanwhile, are in the final years of their contracts and spend last season on loan.