Mikel Arteta says Arsenal had a ‘remarkable’ player but Unai Emery released him for free

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The Unai Emery era at Arsenal was a really frustrating one for many reasons.

The Spaniard replaced Arsene Wenger in the summer of 2018, and it was always going to be a massive job for him at the Emirates.

In his debut season, Emery blew the opportunity to make it into the top four, and he also suffered a defeat in the final of the Europa League.

The former Arsenal manager allowed a few players to leave the club as well. One of them was Danny Welbeck.

Mikel Arteta delivers his verdict on former Arsenal teammate Danny Welbeck

Arsenal signed Welbeck from Manchester United on transfer deadline day in 2014.

It was a shock to see Wenger make a move for the England international at the time, but the striker seemed really keen on a switch to the Emirates.

Welbeck was by no means a superstar for the Gunners, but he produced a few memorable moments.

His hat-trick in the Champions League against Galatasaray is one that springs to mind, while his last-minute winner against Leicester City also raised the excitement levels to the point that it convinced many fans that Arsenal would win the Premier League.

However, injuries ruined Welbeck’s career at Arsenal, which is why in 2019, Unai Emery decided against extending his contract and released him from the club.

Welbeck then joined Watford before moving to Brighton and Hove Albion, where he has been absolutely incredible.

Ahead of Arsenal’s Carabao Cup clash against the Seagulls, Mikel Arteta hailed Welbeck. He said, as per Arsenal.com: “Very happy for him.

“We were teammates and the whole history of him, the good and the difficult moments he has had in his career, I think it’s remarkable what he’s doing.”

Danny Welbeck has already hurt Arsenal in the Carabao Cup

Arsenal are among the most successful teams in English football, but the League Cup is one trophy that has always been difficult to win.

In fact, the Gunners have only lifted the trophy on two occasions in their entire history. The last one was all the way back in the 1992/93 season – before Wenger had even arrived.

Arsenal will want to go all the way this season, but Brighton have the opportunity to knock them out of the Carabao Cup – just like they did back in 2022.

In the third round of the competition three years ago, the Seagulls beat Arteta’s side 3-1.

Welbeck scored Brighton’s opening goal of that game, and we’re sure he will want to inflict the same kind of pain again on Wednesday night.