Mikel Arteta is facing growing unease within his own squad after effectively sidelining winger Gabriel Martinelli, with team-mates reported to have expressed considerable sympathy for the Brazilian ahead of what appears to be an imminent departure.

According to The Mirror, the situation has generated genuine discomfort inside the Emirates Stadium dressing room, while ESPN Brazil reports that Martinelli himself is understandably frustrated after seven years at the club. Arteta retains the overwhelming support of his squad, however, with no suggestion of any broader unrest.

Martinelli on the verge of Al Hilal move

The 25-year-old is understood to be close to joining Al Hilal, having already turned down an approach from Galatasaray. Martinelli has not been included in Arsenal's matchday squad for either of their opening two fixtures this season.

He was left out of the Community Shield in Cardiff during pre-season, and Arteta again omitted him when Arsenal beat Coventry City 3-0 last Friday. In both matches, new signing Christos Tzolis started on the left wing, with Eberechi Eze coming on as a substitute in the latter fixture.

Arsenal are also chasing a late move for Julian Alvarez in the final days of the transfer window, though the Argentine is not currently thought to favour a return to England.

A pattern Arteta has used before

This is not the first occasion that Arteta has taken a firm approach to moving on a player he no longer wants. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Mesut Ozil were each dropped from the squad before having their contracts cancelled. More recently, goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale was effectively displaced by David Raya — a call that sparked controversy at the time.

Arteta maintained that Ramsdale and Raya were competing on equal terms, yet Ramsdale made only two league appearances in his final season, both coming against Brentford when the on-loan Raya was ineligible.

Martinelli arrived at Arsenal from Brazil in 2019 under Unai Emery and flourished once Arteta took charge, hitting 15 league goals in the 2022/23 campaign. His output slowed markedly after that, however, contributing just one goal as Arsenal claimed their first league title in 22 years last term. Transfermarkt values him at €45 million.

Arsenal next face Aston Villa when Premier League action resumes next weekend.