Gabriel Martinelli and Ethan Nwaneri were seen standing apart as Arsenal's squad celebrated their Community Shield triumph, leading many supporters to believe the duo are on their way out of the club. The two attackers were not included in the matchday squad for the 3-0 win over Manchester City at the Principality Stadium, failing to even make the substitutes' bench.
Arteta's Squad Rule Frustration
Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta expressed his disappointment that the two players were unavailable, citing a rule that limits managers to nine substitutes for the match. 'Really sad to not have their availability,' Arteta told TNT Sports before kick-off. 'I have been fighting with the Premier League to extend them and to accommodate more players in the squad. They deserve to be in the squad. Hopefully we can change that rule.'
The Gunners did not miss their absent stars, with Riccardo Calafiori opening the scoring after just 23 seconds. Kai Havertz and Martin Odegaard added further goals either side of half-time to secure a comfortable victory against a Manchester City side led by Enzo Maresca for the first time in an official capacity. The win marked Arsenal's 18th Community Shield title, three short of Manchester United's record of 21.
Celebration Snub Sparks Speculation
After the final whistle, jubilant Arsenal players gathered around captain Odegaard on the podium to lift the trophy. However, a video circulating among supporters shows Martinelli and Nwaneri standing apart from their teammates until Gabriel Magalhaes persuaded them to join the celebrations.
One fan wrote on X: 'Bro [crying emojis] separately, Nwaneri and Martinelli are GONE. Them man were borderline refusing to go over for the celebrations until Big Gabi called them over.' Another bluntly added: 'Just get them gone man, £80m right there and a new attacking signing.'
Another supporter commented: 'It's sad how little Martinelli has developed but it's time to move on,' while a fourth said: 'Oh my days, it's actually over.' The widely followed Arsenal page Talking Highbury tweeted: 'Ethan Nwaneri and Gabriel Martinelli were LEFT OUT OF THE SQUAD and barely joined the celebrations afterwards until Big Gabi called them over. It certainly looked like two players who could be ON THEIR WAY OUT.'
Transfer Interest and Contract Situations
This summer, Galatasaray and Napoli have been linked with a strong interest in Martinelli, who has been at Arsenal since 2019. Nwaneri, a product of the Hale End academy, has been linked with Serie A giants AC Milan. Arteta has not ruled out a move for Nwaneri, who spent the second half of last season on loan at Marseille.
'I want him to be at the club,' Arteta said. 'But we have to think about the medium and long term. What is best for the player? Ethan needs to play football. If he stays here, we must be able to guarantee him those minutes, otherwise it won't be beneficial for either side.'
Martinelli has entered the final 12 months of his contract, while Nwaneri still has four years remaining on his current deal at the Emirates Stadium. The club's transfer plans remain a focus as they look to build on their Community Shield success.
