Football NewsThe GuardianUnverified source· 3 Sept 2026
Arsenal's quiet deadline day raises squad depth concerns
Champions let players leave without replacements, risking depth in attack.
Arsenal
team
Key departure
Gabriel Jesus and Ethan Nwaneri left without replacements
Expected exit
Gabriel Martinelli to Al-Hilal for up to £60m
New signings
Eberechi Eze, Christos Tzolis, Bruno Guimarães
What happened. Arsenal had a quiet deadline day, allowing Gabriel Jesus and Ethan Nwaneri to leave without bringing in replacements, while Gabriel Martinelli is expected to join Al-Hilal.
- Arteta had pleaded for bigger matchday squads before the window closed.
- Manchester City signed Enzo Fernández for £125m on deadline day.
- Arsenal still have at least two options per position, but attack depth is questioned.
Arsenal's failure to land 'dream' signings like Vinícius Júnior may haunt them if injuries strike.
In this story
Mikel ArtetaMore to read
Football.London
Arsenal's late Gabriel Martinelli decision, Mikel Arteta treatment and Ian Wright's criticism
Football.London
Arsenal can still complete four transfers this month as new signing agreed and trio exit
CaughtOffside
Mikel Arteta uncertainty led to Arsenal missing out on Deadline Day signing
CaughtOffside
‘I would be stunned’ – Neville tells Arteta to drop Arsenal player against Chelsea
Metro Football
Gary Neville urges Mikel Arteta to drop £34m Arsenal star for Chelsea clash
Football.London
Mikel Arteta overhaul almost complete with only two players left from Arsenal squad he inherited