Arteta surprised by Jesus' criticism

The Brazilian striker said in an interview this week that "suddenly, they asked me to train away from the group," adding that "no one told me anything" before he signed with Barcelona.

Responding to Jesus' criticism, Arteta insisted that he had spoken with the former Manchester City star about the transfer, and that they parted on good terms.

He told reporters on Friday: "I was very surprised, honestly. Especially since I spoke one-on-one with Gabi (Jesus) in the dressing room."

He added: "I don't know what words were said, and that's fine. The words we used were all about gratitude."

Arteta also faced criticism from former Arsenal striker Ian Wright, who recently said he felt "uncomfortable" with what he perceived as a lack of communication between the club and Gabriel Martinelli, who moved to Saudi side Al-Hilal on September 3.

However, Arteta cited the presence of Belgian Leandro Trossard, who moved to Turkish club Beşiktaş in September, to watch Arsenal's win over Chelsea last weekend, as an example of the strength of the relationship between the club and its former players.

Arteta said ahead of the Premier League champions' trip to face Sunderland on Saturday: "I don't know, it's fine. Sometimes I understand that when you have to deliver bad news, or news that people don't expect, someone has to play the bad guy. If I have to play that role, I will do it, and I understand that."

He added: "What usually matters is what happens after three or six months. When Trossard comes, he is in the dressing room with all of us, and you see the atmosphere and the relationship you have with him."

He continued: "Thank God, so far, my relationship has been very good with all the players who have left at some point. And I hope that will be the case in this instance as well."