Ian Wright has criticised Arsenal’s handling of Gabriel Martinelli’s uncertain future, saying the winger deserves greater respect from the club.
Martinelli was left out of Arsenal’s squad for Friday’s 3-0 win over Coventry City, having also missed the Community Shield victory against Manchester City the previous weekend.
The 25-year-old made 53 appearances last season as Arsenal won the Premier League, scoring 11 goals, but the club are now prepared to listen to offers for him.
Speaking to Sky Sports, former Arsenal striker Wright said he was uncomfortable with the way the situation was unfolding.
“He’s done enough with this squad to be treated with a little bit more respect than he’s being treated with at the moment.”
Wright questioned why Martinelli had been left out while his future remained unresolved, arguing that the Brazil international should have greater clarity over the club’s plans.
Arsenal, however, deny that Martinelli has been frozen out and maintain that his absence reflects the competition for places within Arteta’s squad. Christos Tzolis impressed on his Premier League debut against Coventry, operating in Martinelli’s preferred position on the left.
The Gunners had also pursued Vinicius Jr this summer before the Brazil international committed his future to Real Madrid, further increasing competition for Martinelli’s position.
Wright suggested the arrival of Tzolis and Noni Madueke would not necessarily have prevented Martinelli from competing for a place, but questioned his complete omission from the matchday squad.
Martinelli has already rejected an opportunity to join Galatasaray and is understood to favour a move to another major European club should he leave Arsenal.
Mikel Arteta acknowledged before the Coventry game that departures can be difficult for established players but said the club had a responsibility to be honest about their plans.
“It’s a really tough moment, but you need to face that reality,” Arteta said.
The Arsenal manager stressed that decisions over players’ futures should be handled with “respect and admiration”, while accepting that sporting considerations ultimately have to determine the club’s choices.
Martinelli joined Arsenal from Ituano in 2019 and has remained part of Arteta’s first-team squad throughout the manager’s tenure. His current situation therefore represents a significant change in his status at the club.
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