Ian Wright Criticizes Arsenal's Treatment of Gabriel Martinelli

Ian Wright has condemned the way Arsenal are handling Gabriel Martinelli as speculation intensifies over the winger’s future at the Emirates Stadium.

The former Gunners 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 sidelined Martinelli

Martinelli has been repeatedly linked with a move away from the Premier League champions this summer. Galatasaray held talks over a deal earlier this month, while AS Roma have also been credited with interest.

The 23-year-old, though, has reportedly told Arsenal he does not want to leave for a league outside Europe’s top five, a stance that only adds another layer of uncertainty to a situation already clouded by mixed signals.

On the pitch, his absence has been impossible to ignore. Martinelli was left out of the squad for Arsenal’s Community Shield win over Manchester City and again omitted from the group that beat Coventry City on Friday night.

Christos Tzolis, a summer signing, started and impressed in both fixtures, with Arsenal actively looking to add another left-winger as they reshape their attacking options.

Wright: ‘He doesn’t know what’s going on’

For Wright, the way this has unfolded crosses a line.

“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 exactly he meant by “the way he’s being treated”, Wright pointed straight at the recent team selections and the communication around them.

“Not being in the squad tonight, not being spoken to, doesn’t know what’s going on,” he said.

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.”

Respect, pecking order and a brutal message

Arsenal’s recruitment drive on the flanks forms a key part of Wright’s frustration. He believes there is a way to phase out a player that still recognises his contribution and status.

“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, for Wright, is the crux. Martinelli can accept losing his place to a global superstar. Losing it while watching relatively unproven or less established names leapfrog him, and doing so without clear dialogue, is something else entirely.

“So for him to be nowhere near it, just makes me feel a bit sad for him,” Wright added. “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 year left on his deal, no minutes, and, according to a club legend, no clarity. If this is the endgame for Martinelli at Arsenal, it is playing out with a cold edge that Wright clearly believes the Brazilian has not earned.