Arsenal send Nwaneri and Gabriel Jesus transfer message with City snub

Arsenal have left Ethan Nwaneri and Gabriel Jesus out of their squad for the Community Shield against Manchester City amid continued transfer interest from AC Milan and Napoli.

Neither attacker was named in Mikel Arteta's starting XI or on the bench for the season's traditional curtain-raiser, providing another indication that both could leave before the transfer window closes.

Nwaneri has been linked with Milan, while Napoli remain interested in bringing Jesus back to Serie A.

Nwaneri's absence comes after Arteta publicly acknowledged the youngster needs regular football.

“Nwaneri has great qualities, but he needs to play,” the Arsenal manager said.

Finding those minutes at the Emirates could prove difficult, particularly with Arsenal continuing to strengthen their attacking options and also being linked with a move for Victor Osimhen.

A potential loan to Marseille has not materialised, leaving Arsenal with around two weeks to find another solution.

AC Milan have been following the 19-year-old and could now emerge as a serious option if Arsenal decide a temporary move is best for his development.

His Community Shield omission adds further uncertainty over where he will play this season.

Jesus' situation is different because Arsenal would need to find a permanent solution.

The Brazilian has a contract running until June 2027, making another loan difficult from Arsenal's perspective.

Napoli have been in contact with the striker's agent, but the Italian champions reportedly need to move at least one attacking player out before making a serious attempt to sign him.

Jesus himself has also not been rushing to leave Arsenal.

However, being left completely out of Arteta's Community Shield squad could represent a clear indication of where he currently stands in the manager's plans.

Any Napoli move would require investment in both a transfer fee and Jesus' salary, meaning there is still significant work required before a deal can develop.

Arsenal now have around two weeks to resolve the futures of both attackers before the transfer window closes.

Milan could provide Nwaneri with the regular football Arteta believes he needs, while Napoli must first create the financial and squad space required to make a serious move for Jesus.