Mikel Arteta revealed he has had difficult conversations with forwards Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus as both Brazilian internationals appear set to depart Arsenal.
“It’s inevitable; at some point you need to have certain discussions and say certain things that sometimes are tough,” said Arteta.
Martinelli left training early on Thursday amid speculation he is set for a move to Saudi side Al Hilal for a fee that could reportedly rise to £50 million ($68 million).
“I think everybody knows and recognises how much we love Gabi (Martinelli). Whatever the outcome is, it will be because everybody agrees to that,” added Arteta.
Jesus has fallen well down the pecking order during an injury-disrupted time in north London and was not even included in training on Thursday as he enters the final 12 months of his contract.
“It’s something to do with the numbers that we have in the squad at the moment and the way we’re managing that kind of situation individually with all the players — they have some personal situations,” Arteta said of the former Manchester City striker.
Arsenal have been linked with bolstering their forward line with a move for Atletico Madrid’s Julian Alvarez.
The Argentine is caught in an acrimonious stand-off after Atletico refused to let him depart the Spanish capital for Barcelona.
“Don’t go there,” said Arteta about Arsenal’s interest in Alvarez. “I’m not going to make any comment about any player that is not with us.”
Ezri Konsa is already an Arsenal player and could make his debut back at Villa Park on Monday after securing a £51 million move from Aston Villa.
The England international could receive a frosty reception, but Arteta said that would not influence his decision in throwing Konsa into action.
“If I see something different in the player, then I may have a question about that, but the way I’ve seen Ezri since day one, knowing his personality really well and through people that have worked with him, I have no concern there.”
Bruno Guimaraes could also be fit to make his first competitive Arsenal appearance after missing the 3-0 win over Coventry last weekend due to a groin problem.
AFP
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