Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has provided his clearest indication yet that Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus could be on their way out of the club before the transfer window closes.
The Brazilian forwards were notably absent from Arsenal’s first-team training session on Thursday, a development that has further fuelled speculation over their futures at the Emirates.
Speaking to reporters, Arteta was asked about Martinelli and stopped short of confirming that the winger would remain with the club.
“Everybody knows and recognises how much we love Gabi,” the Arsenal boss said.
“Whatever the outcome is, it will be because everybody agrees to that.”
Martinelli’s situation has attracted significant attention, with the Brazil international reportedly closing in on a move to Saudi Pro League club Al Hilal.
The potential departure would mark a major change for a player who has been an important part of Arteta’s Arsenal project since breaking into the first team.
But Martinelli may not be the only Brazilian forward heading for the exit.
Arteta also addressed Jesus’ absence from training, suggesting that squad numbers are influencing the club’s decision-making.
“It’s something to do with the numbers that we have in the squad,” he said.
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Jesus has reportedly attracted interest from Napoli, while several Premier League clubs are also understood to be monitoring his situation.
The former Manchester City striker has endured a difficult spell at Arsenal, with injuries and competition for places limiting his impact since his arrival in north London.
With both forwards now linked with moves away and neither involved in first-team training, Arsenal face a potentially significant reshuffle in attack.
Arteta, however, insisted that any departure would have to be agreed by all parties, leaving the door open for developments in the final days of the transfer window.