Arteta Defends Arsenal's Handling of Jesus and Martinelli Departures
Mikel Arteta has hit back at claims from Gabriel Jesus and criticism over Gabriel Martinelli’s exit, insisting Arsenal handled both high-profile departures properly.
The Arsenal manager faced questions after Jesus admitted he was left in the dark over his £12.5m move to Barcelona, saying "nobody told me anything" when he was told to train away from the senior squad in the days before the transfer.
Those comments poured fuel on an already lively debate, with club legend Ian Wright publicly questioning how Arsenal froze Martinelli out of early-season squads before the winger completed a £60m switch to Al Hilal in the Saudi Pro League.
On Friday, Arteta pushed back hard.
Arteta: “Very surprised” by Jesus claim
Arteta said he could not understand Jesus’s version of events, stressing that the pair had spoken directly before the move.
"Very surprised, to be fair, especially because with Gabi [Jesus] I had an individual talk in the dressing room," he said. "I don't know what words were said, it is fine."
He insisted their farewell was cordial, even warm.
"The words we used for each other, it was all about gratitude," Arteta added. "I don't know, it is OK. Sometimes I understand when you have to deliver bad news or news that people don't expect, those things [you can] react [to]."
The message was clear: from Arteta’s perspective, the communication was there, even if the outcome hurt.
Martinelli debate and the “bad cop” role
Martinelli’s situation has stirred just as much emotion. The Brazilian found himself completely out of early matchday squads before his big-money move to Al Hilal, prompting Wright to question whether Arsenal had treated him fairly.
Arteta did not go into detail on the winger’s omission but leaned into the reality of modern management.
"Somebody has to be the bad cop. If I have to be, I have to be and I understand," he said. "What is important is normally what happens three months later, six months later… the atmosphere and the relationship you have."
He pointed to Leandro Trossard as the example he wants others to follow.
The Belgian left for Besiktas in a £15m deal this summer, yet he was back in the Emirates Stadium dressing room after Arsenal’s 2-1 win over Chelsea, sharing smiles and handshakes with former team-mates and staff.
For Arteta, that reunion underlined his belief that strong relationships can outlast difficult decisions.
"Things got so far with other players that they left, at some point the relationship has been really good," he said. "I hope that is the same case."
Time, he believes, will soften the edges with Jesus and Martinelli too.
Focus turns to Sunderland after Napoli boost
While the noise around departures grows, Arsenal’s season on the pitch is gathering momentum.
Arteta’s side travel to Sunderland on Saturday night looking to extend their perfect start to the campaign and chalk up another away win. They go into the game lifted by a statement Champions League victory at Napoli on Wednesday.
There was concern when Ben White limped late in Italy, but Arteta moved quickly to calm any fears, confirming the defender is "fine". Cristhian Mosquera is less certain; the defender is being assessed as he struggles with a muscular issue.
The narrative around Arsenal this week has been dominated by exits, bruised feelings and pointed punditry. The next 90 minutes at Sunderland will show whether this squad can keep that all on mute and let their football do the talking.
