Ian Wright Criticizes Arsenal's Treatment of Gabriel Martinelli
Ian Wright has launched a strong defence of Gabriel Martinelli, admitting he feels “uncomfortable” with how Arsenal are handling the Brazilian’s situation as uncertainty over his future grows.
The winger’s name has barely left the rumour mill this summer. Galatasaray held talks over a move earlier in the window, while AS Roma have also been linked. Yet Martinelli has, according to reports, made it clear he does not want to leave for a league outside Europe’s top five, which only deepens the sense of limbo around him.
All the while, he is nowhere near the pitch.
Martinelli was left out of Arsenal’s Community Shield win over Manchester City and again omitted from the squad for Friday night’s victory over Coventry City. New signing Christos Tzolis started and impressed in both games, with Arsenal actively seeking another left‑sided attacker to strengthen their forward line.
Wright's Concerns
For Wright, that combination of silence and exclusion crosses a line.
Speaking on Sky Sports, the former Arsenal striker said: “With respect to Martinelli and the way he’s being treated at the moment, it really makes me uncomfortable.
“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 directly at Martinelli’s current isolation from the squad.
“Not being in the squad tonight, not being spoken to, doesn’t know what’s going on,” he said. Asked if he was sure, 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.”
The former striker then drew a sharp contrast between the level of potential incomings and Martinelli’s 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’. But if you’re bringing in Tzolis and Madueke’s there, you’re thinking to yourself, ‘I’ve got something to offer here’,” Wright said.
“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 title‑winning squad is being reshaped, places are being fought for, and tough decisions are inevitable. The question now is whether Martinelli is being eased out as part of that process – or simply left twisting while Arsenal decide how much they still value a player who has so often delivered when it mattered.
