Arteta defends Arsenal’s treatment of Jesus and Martinelli after exit criticism
Mikel Arteta has defended Arsenal’s handling of Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli after both players voiced or attracted criticism over their departures, insisting difficult squad decisions do not rule out respect or the prospect of repaired relationships. Arsenal now turn their attention to Saturday night’s trip to Sunderland, with Ben White cleared after a late knock in Naples and Cristhian Mosquera still under assessment.
Arsenal squad update
| Item | Figure or date | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Gabriel Jesus move | £12.5m | Joined Barcelona after training separately from the senior group |
| Gabriel Martinelli transfer | £60m | Moved to Al Hilal after missing early-season matchday squads |
| Leandro Trossard transfer | £15m | Completed a summer switch to Besiktas |
| Next fixture | Saturday night | Arsenal away to Sunderland |
Jesus had said he was left without an explanation when he was asked to work away from Arsenal’s first-team squad before his £12.5m transfer to Barcelona. The Brazilian’s comments were followed by criticism of Arsenal’s treatment of Martinelli, who did not feature in the club’s early matchday selections before completing a £60m move to Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal.
Arteta said he was taken aback by Jesus’s account, explaining that he had spoken privately with the forward in the dressing room. The manager said the exact language used may have been interpreted differently, but described their final exchange as one based on appreciation.
“I was very surprised,” Arteta said. “With Gabi Jesus, I spoke to him individually in the dressing room. I do not know exactly which words he refers to, but that is fine.”
He accepted that players can react strongly when informed of decisions they did not anticipate. Arteta said delivering unwelcome news is part of a head coach’s role and that he is prepared to take responsibility as the person making those calls.
Arteta pointed to Trossard’s recent return to the Emirates Stadium as evidence that a transfer need not permanently damage a relationship. The Belgian forward, who joined Besiktas for £15m during the summer, visited Arsenal’s dressing room after the 2-1 win over Chelsea and was warmly received by his former colleagues.
The Arsenal manager said the more meaningful measure comes months after a player leaves, when both sides can reflect on the circumstances. He believes previous departures have eventually led back to positive relations and hopes Jesus and Martinelli will follow the same path.
On the pitch, Arsenal are seeking another away win at Sunderland as they aim to preserve their flawless opening to the new campaign. They travel after Wednesday’s Champions League victory at Napoli.
White is available despite limping near the end of that match in Italy, with Arteta confirming the defender is fine. Mosquera’s position is less certain, however, as Arsenal continue to evaluate a muscular issue.
