Arsenal Humiliates City 3:0, Then Kicks Off Star Sell-Off
The Gunners dismantled Manchester City in the Community Shield, and then the transfer frenzy began: Nwaneri and Martinelli on their way out, City wants Neto, Barcelona won't give up on Rodri.
The Gunners dismantled Manchester City in the Community Shield, and then the transfer frenzy began: Nwaneri and Martinelli on their way out, City wants Neto, Barcelona won't give up on Rodri.
Arsenal dismantled Manchester City 3:0 in the Community Shield at Wembley on Sunday, August 16, 2026, with the first goal coming after just 23 seconds. It was the Gunners' most convincing victory without conceding against the Citizens since August 2014, when they also won 3-0. For City, this was their heaviest defeat without scoring against an English club since a 4-0 loss to Tottenham in November 2024.
The London side's dominance was confirmed by the expected goals statistic: Arsenal created chances worth 2.19 xG, while City managed a modest 0.77. None of Arsenal's xG came from set pieces, an area where Arteta's side had been particularly dangerous in previous seasons. Former Arsenal defender Martin Keown described the difference as staggering, while former Scottish striker Ally McCoist said City had received a footballing lesson.
City manager Enzo Maresca came under fire after his side's lackluster performance, which looked lifeless and devoid of energy. On the other hand, Mikel Arteta has every reason to be pleased as his team enters the new season with confidence and ready to challenge for the biggest trophies.
Arsenal captain Martin Ødegaard did not hide his delight after the match. "The team played fantastic football, and this is the perfect way to start the season," said the Norwegian. Arsenal's players thus secured their second trophy in just four months.
However, history warns that success in the Community Shield is not a reliable indicator of league title success. Since the Premier League began in the 1992/93 season, only eight of the 34 Charity Shield or Community Shield winners have gone on to win the league in the same season. The last to do so was Manchester City in 2018/19, and before them, Manchester United under Alex Ferguson in 2010/11.
Immediately after the celebrations, transfer news began to emerge. Fabrizio Romano reported that Ethan Nwaneri will definitely leave Arsenal before the end of the transfer window. The 20-year-old wasn't even on the bench against City despite having a normal preseason, and Milan, Borussia Dortmund, Leipzig, and Fulham are all interested.
TalkSPORT reports that Gabriel Martinelli's departure is also expected, as he too was left out of the squad. Arsenal has spoken to Galatasaray about both players, but the Brazilian is not keen on a move to Turkey at this time.
Manchester City has entered the race for Pedro Neto, according to talkSPORT. The Portuguese winger has already agreed personal terms with Al-Hilal, but City sees him as a replacement for Savinho if the Brazilian moves to Tottenham. Chelsea is reportedly willing to sell Neto, and talkSPORT suggests they are asking for around €81 million.
Barcelona, meanwhile, has made a third bid for Rodri, worth around €70 million, after previous attempts were rejected. City values their star at around €80 million, so a deal has yet to be reached. Spanish media claim that Rodri wants to join Barcelona.
Aston Villa reacted quickly after PSG's move for Zion Suzuki fell through. The Parisians had already agreed a €35 million fee with Parma, but the deal collapsed, and the Japanese international goalkeeper ended up in Birmingham. His arrival opens the door for Emiliano Martínez's departure, with Juventus having sent a bid of €10 million, which is below Villa's valuation, but negotiations are ongoing.
Cody Gakpo has told Liverpool he wants to leave and join Tottenham, with whom he has agreed personal terms in principle. The Reds are asking for more than £60 million for the Dutch international. Gakpo arrived at Anfield from PSV in early 2023.
Chelsea, meanwhile, is asking for around €70 million for Nicolas Jackson. The Senegalese striker, who joined London club from Villarreal in 2023 for just over €35 million, is of interest to Aston Villa, Tottenham, and Atlético Madrid. City, meanwhile, continues to negotiate with Enzo Fernández's agents, whom Chelsea paid around €121 million for in January 2023.
