Mikel Arteta ‘fighting with the Premier League’ to make rule change as he admits ‘sadness’ at leaving players out

ARSENAL boss Mikel Arteta has revealed he’s fighting the Premier League about the size of matchday squads. The Spaniard was left disappointed after being forced to leave players out of his Community Shield squad and has called for the Prem to allow more spaces. Mikel Arteta is “fighting” the Premier League over rules about the number of players allowed in a matchday squad Credit: Alamy Arteta was disappointed to leave out youngster Ethan Nwaneri for the Community Shield Credit: Arsenal FC via Getty Images Speaking after his side’s 3-0 demolition of Man City, Arteta pointed to two players he was gutted to not have in the squad on Sunday. He said to TNT Sports: “It’s really sad not to have their availability. I’ve been fighting with the Premier League to extend and accommodate more players in the squad because they deserve to be in the squad, there’s no question. Sign up for the Arsenal newsletter Thank you! “Ethan [Nwaneri] and Marli [Salmon] as well, who has had the whole pre-season with us. Hopefully we can change that rule so players can enjoy on the pitch and can be an option to play and contribute to the team going forward.” Arteta’s squad omissions led to speculation about some players’ futures. Brazilian duo Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli were also not included in Sunday’s clash. When asked if they will remain Arsenal players in this transfer window, Arteta replied: “Yes they’re very important for us.” Despite Arteta’s comments, Nwaneri, who spent part of last season on loan at Marseille, is reportedly expected to depart Arsenal before the end of the summer window. The BBC claim that the 19-year-old has interest from abroad – with AC Milan, RB Leipzig and Borussia Dortmund keen – and from Fulham in the Prem. Most read in Sport Arteta was also gutted to leave out other youngster Marli Salmon Credit: Getty BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS Martinelli, meanwhile, was the subject of a bid from Galatasaray, although the winger has rejected a move to Turkey. Despite Arteta’s qualms about who he could and couldn’t put in the squad, it didn’t prove to be a problem for the Gunners, who started the season how they will mean to go on. A quick start saw Riccardo Calafiori score the quickest goal in Community Shield history after just 23 SECONDS, following Myles Lewis-Skelly’s gilt-edged ball through. And captain Martin Odegaard’s 48th minute finish cued the start of the celebrations as Arsenal stormed into a 3-0 lead. During the actual celebrations, midfield general Declan Rice hilariously hit himself in the face with the trophy, as he enjoyed a moment with the fans. Arsenal begin their season on Friday, as Premier League newbies Coventry make the trip to the Emirates. Comment now