Martinelli and Nwaneri left out as Arsenal exit questions intensify

Gabriel Martinelli and Ethan Nwaneri face renewed uncertainty over their Arsenal futures after both were left out of Mikel Arteta’s squad for the Community Shield against Manchester City.

Their omission in Cardiff came amid existing transfer speculation surrounding both players, with talkSPORT reporting that Martinelli and Nwaneri are expected to leave Arsenal before the summer window closes. No agreement has been announced for either player, however, and their situations remain separate.

Martinelli has already attracted an approach from Galatasaray, but the Brazilian has rejected the possibility of joining the Turkish champions. Arsenal are nevertheless reported to be open to a departure if suitable terms can be found, leaving the winger’s position unresolved despite his preference not to move to Istanbul.

The 25-year-old now faces increased competition on the left following Arsenal’s summer recruitment, and his absence from the season-opening squad has intensified questions over whether he will remain part of Arteta’s plans beyond the transfer deadline.

Nwaneri’s situation is different. Arteta has publicly expressed a desire to keep the academy graduate but has also acknowledged that regular playing time is essential to his development. The 19-year-old returned to Arsenal after spending the second half of last season on loan at Marseille, but competition for minutes has increased following the club’s summer additions.

Reports have suggested Arsenal could consider another loan or a permanent transfer under a structure that protects the club’s long-term interest in Nwaneri. Galatasaray have also been linked with the midfielder during wider discussions involving Arsenal players, although there is currently no confirmed agreement over his future.

Neither omission alone confirms that a transfer is imminent, but leaving both players outside the Community Shield squad has added a new layer to situations that were already being monitored ahead of the deadline.

For Martinelli, the question is whether Arsenal can find a destination acceptable to both club and player. For Nwaneri, the priority appears more closely tied to finding the regular football Arteta has said he needs.