Arteta Defends Arsenal's Management of Jesus, Martinelli

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta defended the club's management of Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli following criticism over their exits this summer. Gabriel Jesus stated, “nobody told me anything” regarding his training away from the first team before his €15 million transfer to Barcelona.

Former Arsenal striker Ian Wright also questioned the treatment of Martinelli, who was excluded from the opening matchday squads before his £60 million move to Al Hilal. Arteta expressed his surprise at the criticism, stating he had an individual conversation with Jesus in the dressing room, focusing on gratitude.

He acknowledged the challenges of delivering unexpected news and referenced Leandro Trossard, who left Arsenal for Besiktas in an €18 million deal but returned for a match against Chelsea. Arteta remarked on the necessity of sometimes being the “bad cop” in such situations and hoped for positive relationships moving forward.