Martinelli and Gyokeres omissions raise questions over Arsenal futures

In partnership with

Just Arsenal News

·23 August 2026

Martinelli and Gyokeres omissions raise questions over Arsenal futures

Actions Speak Louder Than Words!

They say actions speak louder than words, and some Gooners will be gutted to see Martinelli not in Friday’s squad, while Gyokeres also didn’t get a second of action.

OneFootball Videos

To clarify, managers can pick nine subs in the Premiership, and such is the competition at the Emirates that not all established names will make the bench.

Mikel Arteta was quick to point that out, although it’s worth stressing that last season both players were higher up in the pecking order.

The Spaniard could simply feel both players have been distracted by transfer speculation and, once their futures are clarified, they will be more involved.

Are Arsenal protecting their assets?

It’s more likely that the Gunners are protecting the value of an asset.

Football, after all, is a business, and from a financial point of view, if you have a potential deal on the horizon where you can make millions, you reduce the risk of injury by not playing him.

Of course, no manager will publicly say that.

They will maintain that who was or wasn’t on the pitch against Coventry was strictly a choice made on sporting merit.

It’s reported that Martinelli has told his employers he wouldn’t be interested in a move to Turkey, but that doesn’t mean there wouldn’t be other destinations that appeal to the Brazilian, especially if it’s made clear to him he’s no longer wanted in North London.

Gyokeres has only been in the English capital for a year and, given how much the striker did to force a move from Portugal, it would seem harsh if his boss has given up on him after one campaign.

(Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)

Loyalty works both ways

In top-level sport, you have to be ruthless and eliminate emotion and sentiment from your decision-making. Clubs often do a good job of portraying to supporters when players are not being loyal, but it works both ways.

Martinelli has grown from a teenager into a man in England and has only just got married. The 25-year-old is content to stay working where he is, so Arsenal will now do everything from now until September to make it clear he’s not wanted.

Surely neither Martinelli nor Gyokeres would be sold unless the Champions had something up their sleeve?

It wouldn’t be a good PR strategy, with both popular within a section of our fanbase.

It would be irresponsible not to have a replacement lined up.

Dan Smith

What do you think, Gooners? Are Martinelli and Gyokeres simply victims of increased competition, or do their recent omissions suggest Arsenal are preparing for one or both to leave? Let us know in the comments. _____________________________________________________________________________________________ ADMIN COMMENT

So here are some simple rules which I must insist commenters follow….

You agree not to give any personal abuse to other Arsenal fans. Everyone is allowed to hold their own opinions even if you disagree with them. It COSTS NOTHING TO BE POLITE TO OTHER ARSENAL FANS.

CALLING ALL ARSENAL FANS! Anyone who would like to contribute an Article or Video opinion piece on JustArsenal, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us through this link…