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Mikel Arteta says he’s ‘fighting with the Premier League’ as he eyes rule change Mikel Arteta has called for the Premier League to change the rules on substitutes ahead of the new season. The Arsenal boss was left frustrated by the size of his bench for Sunday's Community Shield victory over Manchester City. Arteta was permitted to name nine players in the matchday squad in addition to his starting XI at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff. However, there was no room amongst the replacements for Gabriel Martinelli, Gabriel Jesus and Ethan Nwaneri. Their omissions came amid speculation Nwaneri and Martinelli are set to leave the Gunners this summer. Arteta calls for rule change Arteta cooled claims the departures of the players are imminent, though, instead calling for the Premier League to allow for larger matchday squads. Speaking to TNT Sports, he admitted: "Really sad to not have their availability. "I have been fighting with the Premier League to extend them and to accommodate more players in the squad. "They deserve to be in the squad. Hopefully we can change that rule." The Spaniard previously urged the Premier League to increase matchday squads from 20 players to 23 in January. Such a change would see the top-flight align with the Champions League, where managers are permitted to name a bigger bench. Arteta used six of his nine substitutes on Sunday, with Kepa Arrizabalaga, Mikel Merino and Max Dowman the only players unused. Arsenal transfer latest Arteta's comments come despite speculation surrounding Martinelli, Jesus and Nwaneri's futures. Galatasaray had shown interest in Martinelli earlier this month, with talks taking place between the clubs. However, the winger is not sold on a move to the Turkish giants and has informed Arsenal of his stance. As for Jesus, talkSPORT understands Napoli are considering a bid for the striker. It follows Romelu Lukaku's departure to Fenerbahce from the Serie A outfit. Nwaneri previously spent the second half of last season on loan at Marseille. The 19-year-old scored twice in 11 appearances during his time in France. His Premier League debut in 2022 saw Nwaneri become the division's youngest ever player aged 15 years and 181 days.