Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has left Gabriel Martinelli, Gabriel Jesus, and Ethan Nwaneri out of his 20-man squad for Sunday's Community Shield against Manchester City at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, with all three facing uncertain futures at the club.
Omissions Signal Transfer Activity
Martinelli's camp has told Arsenal the winger does not want to join Galatasaray after a £38million bid from the Turkish club last week, but the Gunners are still seeking an exit for the Brazilian. Jesus, another Brazilian, has attracted interest from Serie A's Napoli in recent weeks.
Academy graduate Nwaneri, who impressed in pre-season, could be loaned out or sold with a buy-back clause. Arteta said of Nwaneri on Friday: "Ethan needs to play football. 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."
Other Absentees and Injuries
Reiss Nelson is also not involved as West Ham look to sign him, while Fabio Vieira is expected to leave permanently before the September 1 transfer deadline. Young goalkeeper Tommy Setford could go on loan, and new signing Illan Meslier is left out, with Kepa Arrizabalaga as back-up to David Raya.
William Saliba and Jurrien Timber are injured, and 16-year-old Marli Salmon's pre-season displays were not enough for a bench spot. Meanwhile, City's Savinho is absent due to illness, and Standard Sport understands he is interested in joining Tottenham, with talks ongoing since the start of the summer.
