Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has strongly suggested that both Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli could leave the club before the transfer window closes, after the Brazilian duo were absent from first-team training ahead of Monday’s clash with Aston Villa.
Mikel Arteta opens up on Arsenal exit for Jesus and Martinelli
“The Numbers Are Clear” – Arteta Drops Biggest Hint Yet on Jesus and Martinelli Futures
Jesus, who joined Arsenal from Manchester City in 2022, has not featured in any matchday squad this season and was conspicuously missing from Thursday’s training session.
When asked about the striker’s absence, Arteta offered a pointed response: “Personal situations, whatever they are, I think it’s clear”.
The manager also cited squad numbers as a factor, explaining the decision was “something to do with the numbers that we have in the squad at the moment”.
Napoli remain the frontrunners to sign the 29-year-old, though Arsenal’s £17.1 million valuation and Jesus’s £265,000-per-week wages could complicate any deal.
The Serie A club would need the player to accept a significant pay cut, with Napoli’s highest earner Kevin De Bruyne currently on £182,500 per week.
Meanwhile, Martinelli’s exit appears even closer. The 25-year-old winger left training early on Thursday, and Arteta confirmed discussions are ongoing.
“Whatever the outcome is, it will be because everybody agrees to that,” the manager stated.
Al-Hilal have booked a medical for the Brazilian this weekend, with Arsenal set to receive a club-record fee in excess of £57 million.
Arteta admitted the conversations with both players have been difficult but necessary.
“There are those conversations and those conversations go both ways,” he said.
“It’s inevitable that at some point you need to have certain discussions and say certain things that sometimes are tough”.
With the transfer deadline fast approaching, Arsenal appear ready to sanction the departure of both Brazilians as they reshape their attacking options for the season ahead.
