Arsenal’s emphatic Community Shield victory over Manchester City should have been the perfect way to start the new season. Instead, the absence of Gabriel Martinelli and Ethan Nwaneri from the matchday squad has sparked fresh questions about the futures of two highly talented players.
The Gunners defeated Manchester City 3-0 on Sunday (16 August 2026), with goals from Riccardo Calafiori, Kai Havertz and Martin Odegaard. Yet while Arsenal celebrated a convincing win, Martinelli and Nwaneri watched from the sidelines.
According to talkSPORT, both players could potentially leave Arsenal before the summer transfer window closes. However, Mikel Arteta’s comments after the match suggest the situation may not be as straightforward as it first appears.
Martinelli and Nwaneri Miss Arsenal’s Community Shield Squad
Martinelli and Nwaneri were not included in Arsenal’s squad for the Community Shield clash against Manchester City.
Their omission immediately raised speculation because both players were part of Arsenal’s squad last season. Martinelli made 30 Premier League appearances, while Nwaneri also featured, although his opportunities were more limited than during the previous campaign.
Arsenal’s victory over Manchester City showed that the team could cope without them. However, their absence has created uncertainty over whether they remain part of Arteta’s long-term plans.
Several factors could influence their futures:
- Arsenal now have greater competition for attacking positions.
- Both players have experienced reduced playing time.
- The transfer window remains open until 31 August.
- Arsenal are still looking to improve their squad.
- Interest from other clubs could develop quickly.
With the Premier League season approaching, the next few weeks could be crucial for both players.
Gabriel Martinelli Faces Increased Competition
Martinellihas been an important figure at Arsenal since joining from Brazilian club Ituano in 2019.
The Brazilian forward has made 278 appearances for the Gunners and scored 62 goals during his time in North London. He also played a role in Arsenal’s run to the Carabao Cup and Champions League finals last season.
His Champions League campaign was particularly productive, with Martinelli scoring six goals.
However, his Premier League role was less consistent. The Brazilian averaged only around 35 minutes per appearance, highlighting the competition for places in Arsenal’s attack.
The arrival of Christos Tzolis has added another attacking option, potentially making Martinelli’s path into the starting XI even more difficult.
That situation has fueled speculation that Arsenal could consider selling the 25-year-old before the transfer deadline.
Ethan Nwaneri’s Arsenal Future Also Under Discussion
Nwaneri’s situation is slightly different.
The attacking midfielder is an Arsenal academy product who made history when he became the youngest player to represent both Arsenal and the Premier League.
He was just 15 years and 181 days old when he made his senior debut against Brentford in 2022.
Nwaneri enjoyed a breakthrough campaign in 2024/2025, scoring nine goals in 37 appearances across all competitions. His performances suggested he could become an important part of Arsenal’s future.
However, his opportunities decreased the following season. He made only 12 appearances before joining Marseille on loan in January.
That reduction in playing time has naturally raised questions about whether Arsenal are ready to give Nwaneri a bigger role or consider another temporary or permanent move.
Galatasaray Talks Add Fuel to Transfer Rumours
According to talkSPORT, Arsenal have held discussions with Galatasaray regarding possible transfers involving Martinelli and Nwaneri.
The talks have also reportedly been connected to Victor Osimhen, who could potentially move from Galatasaray to Arsenal.
Arsenal have reportedly received a verbal offer worth £38.4 million for Martinelli. However, the Brazilian is said to be unwilling to join Galatasaray.
That detail could become significant in the final weeks of the transfer window.
If Martinelli does not want the proposed destination, Arsenal would need to find another solution if the club ultimately decides to sell him.
At the same time, there is still no clear indication that Arsenal have made a final decision to move either player on.
Arteta Opens the Door for Both Players to Stay
Mikel Arteta’s comments after the Community Shield victory provided a different perspective.
The Arsenal manager indicated that he wanted Martinelli, Nwaneri and Gabriel Jesus available for the matchday squad.
Arteta also criticized the limitations on squad sizes and revealed that he has been pushing the Premier League to allow more players to be included.
“It is very sad not to have that ability. I have been fighting with the Premier League to make it bigger and accommodate more players in the squad,” Arteta told TNT Sports.
He added that the players deserved to be involved and hoped the rules could eventually change.
When asked whether Martinelli and Nwaneri would continue to be part of the Arsenal squad, Arteta was clear.
“They are all very important to us,” he said.
That statement could offer some encouragement to Arsenal supporters hoping to see both players remain at the Emirates Stadium.
Arsenal Still Active Before Transfer Deadline
Arteta has also made it clear that Arsenal are not finished in the transfer market.
The Gunners completed the signing of Bruno Guimaraes from Newcastle during the previous weekend. They have also brought in former Leeds United goalkeeper Illan Meslier on a free transfer.
Meanwhile, Piero Hincapie has joined permanently after previously spending time at Arsenal on loan from Bayer Leverkusen.
Arteta confirmed before the Community Shield that Arsenal still want to strengthen the squad.
“There are more things we want to do because every time there is an opportunity to improve the squad and add quality and depth, we have to do it,” he said.
The manager also acknowledged that transfers do not depend entirely on Arsenal.
The club therefore remains active, but the situation surrounding Martinelli and Nwaneri could still change before the deadline.
Martinelli and Nwaneri Still Have a Future at Arsenal?
For now, the future of Gabriel Martinelli and Ethan Nwaneri remains uncertain.
Their absence from the Community Shield squad naturally triggered transfer speculation, especially with reports of discussions involving Galatasaray. However, Arteta’s public backing suggests Arsenal are not simply looking to push both players out of the club.
The coming days could provide a clearer picture.
Arsenal will begin their Premier League 2026/2027 campaign at home against newly promoted Coventry on Saturday (22 August 2026). The Gunners are targeting consecutive league titles for the first time since 1935.
Whether Martinelli and Nwaneri will be part of that title challenge remains one of Arsenal’s biggest transfer stories to watch before the 31 August deadline.
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