Arsenal manager, Mikel Arteta, has expressed surprise at criticism surrounding the departures of Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli during the club’s busy summer transfer window.
Jesus recently questioned the manner of his £12.5m move from Arsenal to Barcelona, claiming that “nobody told me anything” after he was instructed to train away from the senior squad before completing the transfer.
The comments sparked further debate after Arsenal legend Ian Wright criticised the club’s handling of Martinelli’s situation.
The Brazilian winger had been left out of early-season matchday squads before securing a £60m move to Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal.
Responding to the criticism on Friday, Arteta said he was particularly surprised by Jesus’ comments, insisting that the pair had discussed the player’s situation before his departure.
“Very surprised, to be fair, especially because with Gabi [Jesus] I had an individual talk in the dressing room,” Arteta said. “I don’t know what words were said, it is fine.”
The Spaniard added that their final conversation was positive, saying, “The words we used for each other, it was all about gratitude. 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].”
Arteta also pointed to former Arsenal forward Leandro Trossard, who moved to Besiktas for £15m this summer, as an example of how relationships can remain positive after difficult transfer decisions.
“Somebody has to be the bad cop. If I have to be, I have to be and I understand. What is important is normally what happens three months later, six months later, when Trossard comes in, he is the dressing room with us, the atmosphere and the relationship you have,” he said.
The Arsenal boss remains hopeful that his relationship with Jesus and Martinelli will similarly improve with time.
“Things got so far with other players that they left, at some point the relationship has been really good,” Arteta said. “I hope that is the same case.”
