Former Arsenal striker Ian Wright has criticised the club’s handling of Gabriel Martinelli’s situation, saying the Brazilian winger deserves “a little bit more respect” as speculation over his future intensifies.
Martinelli, 25, has been left out of Arsenal’s opening matches of the season despite playing a significant role in the club’s title-winning campaign last term.
The Brazil international made 53 appearances in all competitions last season, scoring 11 goals as Arsenal won the Premier League. However, he was omitted from the squad for Friday’s league opener against Coventry, which Arsenal won 3-0.
He had also been left out of the squad for the previous weekend’s Community Shield victory over Manchester City, amid reports that Arsenal were prepared to consider offers for the winger.
The situation has raised questions over whether Martinelli remains part of manager Mikel Arteta’s plans and, more significantly, how the club is managing a potential departure of a player who has been an important member of the squad.
Wright, speaking to Sky Sports, said he was uncomfortable with the way the forward was currently being treated.
“The way Martinelli is being treated at the moment, it really makes me feel uncomfortable,” Wright said.
The former Arsenal striker acknowledged that the club may have decided it is time to move Martinelli on, but argued that any departure should be handled with greater consideration for the player.
“I know they might want him out, and a lot of people might say, ‘yeah, it’s time for him to move him on’. But there’s ways of doing that and it should suit him as well, how he wants to leave.”
‘He Doesn’t Know What Is Happening’
Wright suggested that Martinelli had been left in an uncertain position, claiming the player had not been given sufficient clarity over his future.
The former Arsenal forward said the winger’s absence from the squad, coupled with an apparent lack of communication, was particularly concerning given his contribution to the club.
“Not being involved in the squad, not being spoken to, he doesn’t know what’s going on. And yes, I know this - he doesn’t know what is happening.”
For Wright, Martinelli’s record at Arsenal means the club should handle the situation with greater sensitivity, regardless of whether the player eventually leaves the Emirates.
“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.”
Martinelli joined Arsenal as a teenager and developed into an established first-team player, becoming an important attacking option during his time in north London.
His 11 goals in 53 appearances last season demonstrated that he remained capable of contributing to Arsenal’s attack, although competition for places has increased as the club continues to strengthen its squad.
His omission from the opening fixtures has therefore added further uncertainty surrounding his position.
Uncertain Future
Arsenal’s decision to invite offers for Martinelli indicates that the club may be open to a permanent transfer, but the circumstances surrounding his exclusion have prompted concern from supporters and former players.
For Wright, the issue is not necessarily whether Arsenal should sell the winger but whether the process is being conducted in a manner that recognises his contribution to the club.
The former striker’s comments highlight the difficult balance clubs must strike when attempting to reshape a squad while managing the expectations and careers of established players.
With Martinelli now facing an uncertain future, the coming weeks could determine whether he remains at Arsenal and fights for his place or begins a new chapter elsewhere.
For now, Wright believes that whatever decision Arsenal ultimately makes, the Brazilian should be treated with greater respect as the club determines his next move.