Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Martinelli and Ethan Nwaneri’s futures are in greater doubt at Arsenal after the trio were left out of their side’s matchday squad for the Community Shield win over Manchester City in Cardiff.
Former City striker Jesus is being linked with Napoli and Martinelli has been widely reported to have turned down a switch to Galatasaray, while winger Nwaneri had a loan spell at Marseille during the second half of last season.
“Just technical decisions,” Arteta claimed when he was asked about his missing players after the 3-0 victory.
Arsenal vs Man City: What Arteta said about players
Arteta said he has been “trying to persuade” the Premier League and other clubs to extend the number of players teams can name on matchdays.
“We play more and more games and the load is unreal,” said Arteta, suggesting that games can “demand the qualities of one of those players, [but] we don’t have them available”.
“It’s just a shame. It’s the most difficult part of the job… it’s just a fact that we can bring 18 outfield players and we believe that, for today’s game, [the players selected] were the options that we needed – especially with the physical condition of certain players.”
Martinelli scored 11 goals in 53 appearances in all competitions last season but played for one minute across their final three league matches before starting their closing win at Crystal Palace, when they had already won the title.
Jesus returned from a serious knee injury in December and was used sparingly, making 27 outings and scoring six times.
When does the summer transfer window 2026 close?
The window opened on Monday June 15 and will shut on Tuesday September 1.
After that, every Premier League club can register a squad of up to 25 players, 17 of whom are allowed to be non-Home Grown Players.
A Home Grown Player has been registered with any club affiliated to the English or Welsh Football Association for three entire seasons or 36 months across their career before his 21st birthday, or the end of the season during which they turn 21.
Under-21 players do not count towards the 25-man limit.
What time does the Premier League transfer window shut on transfer deadline day?
The deadline is 23:00 BST in the Premier League, but clubs can have an extra two hours to file the remaining documentation if they submit a deal sheet confirming that an agreement has been reached.
The deal sheet must arrive fully completed before the transfer window closes.
For international transfers, clubs also have to comply with the FIFA Transfer Matching System deadline of midnight.
Arsenal team vs Man City
Arsenal were without William Saliba, who is facing an extended spell out after aggravating a long-term back injury during France’s World Cup semi-final defeat to Spain.
Jurrien Timber also remained sidelined with a groin problem and is understood to still be some weeks from a return, although head coach Arteta has described the full-back’s progress as going “really well”.
New £75 million signing Bruno Guimaraes started in midfield, with Bukayo Saka on the bench alongside Declan Rice and Viktor Gyokeres.
Arsenal starting XI: David Raya, Ben White, Gabriel Magalhaes, Cristhian Mosquera, Riccardo Calafiori, Myles Lewis-Skelly, Bruno Guimaraes, Martin Odegaard, Noni Madueke, Christos Tzolis, Kai Havertz
Arsenal substitutes: Kepa Arrizabalaga, Piero Hincapie, Martin Zubimendi, Mikel Merino, Declan Rice, Eberechi Eze, Max Dowman, Bukayo Saka, Viktor Gyokeres
When does Arsenal’s 2026/27 Premier League season start?
Arteta’s team host the first match of the Premier League season against promoted visitors. Here are the key details.
| Date | Opponents | BST start time | ET | PT | UK TV channel |
| Fri, Aug 21 | Coventry City (H) | 20:00 | 15:00 | 12:00 | Sky Sports |
