Mikel Arteta has told club’s official website that the decision to leave out Arsenal star Gabriel was just tactical and not linked to his performances.
The 25-year-old was a mainstay in the Gunners’ backline last campaign but has been on the bench for the club’s first two Premier League games this season, fuelling speculation over his future.
Arsenal continued their perfect start to the season with a 1-0 win against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Monday. But they had to hang on the skin of their teeth to emerge victorious in the London Derby.
Following Takehiro Tomiyasu’s controversial red card decision, Arteta was forced to make several defensive changes. The defender replaced Gabriel Martinelli and put in a solid performance to maintain the clean sheet. He was even given the captain’s armband when Martin Odegaard was substituted later in the half.
Reports from The Mirror claimed Saudi Arabian clubs had an interest in the center back and met with the player’s representatives. Daily Mail also reported that Real Madrid were eyeing a move for him.
Despite these transfer speculations, the Arsenal boss considers Gabriel to be an integral part of the squad moving forward. He said:
“Nothing at all, it’s about games that we were expecting, how we were going to defend and attack, and what I believe is the best thing.
“He’s played in both games and helped us to win both games for different reasons. He was really good today, he absolutely dominated the box when he came on and he’s going to play a lot of games.”
Arsenal Fever View:
The Spaniard’s words are a clear indication that he sees Gabriel’s future in north London. With Jurien Timber set to miss the major chunk of this season through injury, Arteta could revert to his old system with the Brazilian returning to his conventional role.
Gabriel is an experienced defender who is a leader on and off the pitch. This could prove vital for this young squad, and it is unlikely that the club would sell an asset like him. The Gunners return to action on Saturday when they take on Fulham at the Emirates Stadium, with Arteta’s side hoping to replicate the same resolve they showed against the Eagles.
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