When Arsenal’s team for the Community Shield was announced, there were two notable absentees, Gabriel Martinelli and Ethan Nwaneri, so where are they?
Both Gabriel Martinelli and Ethan Nwaneri have been heavily linked with moves away from Arsenal this summer, so their omission from the squad for the Community Shield in Cardiff inevitably fuelled speculation.
Earlier this week, Mikel Arteta appeared to suggest that Nwaneri could benefit from another loan spell, while reports also claimed Martinelli had rejected a move to Turkey.
Mikel Arteta has indicated that Ethan Nwaneri could spend another season away from Arsenal, admitting the teenager must play regular football if he is to continue the impressive progress he has made so far dailycannon.com/2026/08/arte…
— Daily Cannon (@dailycannon.com) 15 August 2026 at 20:19
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Does that have anything to do with why they were not in the squad?
Well, it seems like could with no injuries being reported for either player and both players travelling to Cardiff.
Nwaneri has admirers all over Europe, particularly in Germany, and is expected to leave, one way or another.
Martinelli’s absence, meanwhile, hints at the club trying to push him out the door, given he would command the biggest fee.
Fabio Vieira, Reiss Nelson and Gabriel Jesus were all also missing from the squad, with all three expected to leave.
Vieira is wanted back at Hamburg, although the two clubs are having trouble agreeing a fee. The most recent reports claim that Arsenal are preparing to drop their demands.
Nelson is wanted by West Ham but isn’t sure about dropping down to the Championship, despite not playing in the Premier League. Should that move go throw, Arsenal could earn as little as £3m for him.
Jesus is wanted by Napoli and is likely to be sold for around £20m.
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