Mikel Arteta is facing a selection headache ahead of Arsenal's high-stakes London derby against Chelsea this weekend. The Gunners boss saw two key first-team players absent from Thursday's preparations as the squad gear up for the Emirates clash.
Gabriel Martinelli has officially ended his seven-year association with Arsenal, completing a blockbuster £60m move to Saudi Pro League giants Al-Hilal. The Brazilian forward, who was a pivotal figure in the Gunners' recent Premier League title success, makes the switch after being frozen out of the first-team picture by Mikel Arteta at the start of the new campaign.
Barcelona reportedly turned down the chance to sign Newcastle striker Nick Woltemade during the final days of the summer transfer window. The Catalan giants opted against rescuing the struggling German international, opting instead to finalise a cut-price move for Arsenal's Gabriel Jesus. Woltemade subsequently secured a season-long loan switch to Juventus.
Ian Wright believes Mikel Arteta will be deeply frustrated by Arsenal's summer transfer business after missing out on their priority attacking targets. The Premier League champions failed to land Vinicius Jr and Julian Alvarez, while long-term target Morgan Rogers ultimately opted to join London rivals Chelsea in a massive £117m deal.
Jamie Carragher believes Arsenal made a significant transfer blunder by allowing Bradley Barcola to join Liverpool unchallenged. The pundit feels Mikel Arteta's side desperately needed a left winger after missing out on primary targets Vinicius Jr and Julian Alvarez this summer.
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