I am just assuming here that Arsenal board made a decision that in the summer transfer window if a good offer comes their way with favourable terms and conditions then sell but if not we would continue with him through the season. Same happened with Gabriel, there were rumors floating around him about to get offers from saudi and serie A and most likely the board asked Arteta not to play gabriel to have him injury free to have a smooth transfer if a suitable offer comes. They did the same with balogun despite of jesus being injured at that time. If u remember when Arsenal left gabriel out of the team sheet they were also looking for CBs in the market if the deal happens. As you can see Gabriel was named in the starting XI after the summer transfer window closed.
I am just assuming here that Arsenal board made a decision that in the summer transfer window if a good offer comes their way with favourable terms and conditions then sell but if not we would continue with him through the season. Same happened with Gabriel, there were rumors floating around him about to get offers from saudi and serie A and most likely the board asked Arteta not to play gabriel to have him injury free to have a smooth transfer if a suitable offer comes. They did the same with balogun despite of jesus being injured at that time. If u remember when Arsenal left gabriel out of the team sheet they were also looking for CBs in the market if the deal happens. As you can see Gabriel was named in the starting XI after the summer transfer window closed.