Mikel Arteta attributes cryptic reason for training absentee nearing possible exit
Mikel Arteta looks on during Arsenal's match against Coventry City (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images).
Arsenal’s purchasing power and allure has propelled into new territory this summer after winning the Premier League title, but they are also reportedly pushing to break their record selling fee, which has stood for almost a decade.
One of Mikel Arteta’s best tools to ensure Arsenal stay perched at the summit is boasting cover in every position to negotiate different opponents and to offer different qualities.
Heading into the last five days of the transfer window, he spoke about the delicate task of holding conversations with those who could move elsewhere, which would help Arsenal cut the competition in areas of the squad that are bloated.
His two Brazilian forwards have been subject to ongoing speculation around their futures after recent omissions in matchday squads, namely Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus.
The former rebuffed an approach from Galatasaray, but an agreement with Al Hilal of at least £50 million is imminent, as Martinelli would be entering the final year of his contract at Arsenal.
Mikel Arteta understandably remained tight-lipped on disclosing concrete reasons for Gabriel Jesus not being present at Thursday’s training session.
“Well, it's something to do with the numbers that we have in the squad at the moment and we're managing that kind of situation individually with all the players that have some personal situations.”
He did not clarify what he meant by personal situations, and gave the same explanation for Gabriel Martinelli, who was spotted leaving the Sobha Realty Training Centre earlier than expected.
“Again, that's another personal situation that we are dealing with. I think everybody knows and recognises how much we love Gabi (Martinelli). Whatever the outcome is, it will be because everybody agrees to that.”
The Arsenal manager reiterated how the club endeavours to reach a mutual settlement with players possibly on their way out, while alluding to how the club’s input can outweigh what the player may initially prefer.
“I mean, try to be as clear and as transparent as possible and try to deliver the message as it is. They know from what place that message is coming.
“There are those conversations, and those conversations go both ways. But, I'm very satisfied with how these conversations went, because I know what is in each other's hearts, and the words that come through in that conversation make me really happy."
He added, “It's inevitable that at some point you need to have certain discussions and say certain things that sometimes are tough.”
Premier League suitors were circling for Myles Lewis-Skelly, but Arteta already confirmed last week he would be retained.
When addressing the media before Arsenal face Aston Villa at Villa Park on Monday night, Arteta abruptly opted against providing any update on Ethan Nwaneri’s situation.
If Arsenal are planning to sanction departures and surpass the £35 million fee they received for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain in 2017, they may also be considering recruiting replacements before the window shuts on Tuesday 1st September at 23:00pm BST, albeit this is not a glaring issue for the champions.
Kai Havertz opens Arsenal's account for the 2026/27 season (Photo: Julian Finney/ GettyImages).
Kai Havertz opens Arsenal's account for the 2026/27 season (Photo: Julian Finney/ GettyImages).
(Photo: Stuart MacFarlane/ GettyImages)
(Photo: Stuart MacFarlane/ GettyImages)
LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 21: Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal, makes his way down the players' tunnel after the Premier League 2026/27 match between Arsenal FC and Coventry City at Emirates Stadium on August 21, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 21: Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal, makes his way down the players' tunnel after the Premier League 2026/27 match between Arsenal FC and Coventry City at Emirates Stadium on August 21, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 21: Martin Odegaard of Arsenal celebrates after scoring a goal to make it 3-0 with Bukayo Saka and Ben White during the Premier League 2026/27 match between Arsenal FC and Coventry City at Emirates Stadium on August 21, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 21: Martin Odegaard of Arsenal celebrates after scoring a goal to make it 3-0 with Bukayo Saka and Ben White during the Premier League 2026/27 match between Arsenal FC and Coventry City at Emirates Stadium on August 21, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images)