Ian Wright Criticizes Arsenal's Treatment of Gabriel Martinelli
Ian Wright has condemned the way Arsenal are handling Gabriel Martinelli as uncertainty over the winger’s future continues to grow.
The former Arsenal striker, speaking on Sky Sports, said he feels “uncomfortable” with how the Brazilian has been frozen out while the club weigh up their options in the transfer market.
Transfer noise grows around Martinelli
Martinelli has been repeatedly linked with a move away from the Premier League champions this summer. Galatasaray held talks earlier this month, but the 23-year-old has reportedly told Arsenal he does not want to leave for a league outside Europe’s top five, casting doubt on any switch to Turkey.
AS Roma have also been credited with interest as clubs circle a player who, on paper, is entering a pivotal stage of his career.
He has one year left on his contract. That only sharpens the sense of limbo.
On the pitch, the picture looks no clearer. Martinelli was left out of the squad for Arsenal’s Community Shield win over Manchester City and again omitted for the victory over Coventry City on Friday night.
In his place, summer signing Christos Tzolis has started both games and impressed, while Arsenal are still exploring the market for another left-winger to strengthen their attack.
Wright: ‘He doesn’t know what’s going on’
For Wright, the way this is playing out does not sit right.
“With respect to Martinelli and the way he’s being treated at the moment, it really makes me uncomfortable,” he said.
“He always gives 100%. We’re not saying he’s the greatest, but he’s come up with some big moments for Arsenal in big games, and the way he’s being treated at the end here – I know they might want him out and there’s a lot of guys saying it’s time for him to move on, but there’s ways of doing that should suit him as well.”
Pressed on what he meant by “treatment”, Wright pointed straight at the recent squad decisions and the communication around them.
“Not being in the squad tonight, not being spoken to, doesn’t know what’s going on,” he explained.
Asked if he was certain about that, Wright doubled down: “Yes I do know this, I know this. Not being involved in the Community Shield squad, not being involved tonight, he doesn’t know what’s happening, he’s got a year left.”
Pecking order questions
Wright then drew a contrast between the level of signings that might justify Martinelli’s demotion and the reality of the current competition for places.
“If you bring Vini in, that kind of level, Martinelli can say to himself, ‘well okay they’ve brought him in and Zsolis, I might be third’,” Wright said.
“But if you’re bringing in Tzolis and Madueke’s there, you’re thinking to yourself, ‘I’ve got something to offer here’.”
That is where the frustration bites. From Wright’s perspective, Martinelli has earned the right at least to clarity.
“So for him to be nowhere near it, just makes me feel a bit sad for him. I think he’s done enough in this squad to be treated with a bit more respect than he’s been treated at the moment.”
A winger who once looked central to Arsenal’s future now waits on the fringes, with a year left on his deal and a decision looming that could shape the next phase of his career.
