Wright condemns Arsenal's handling of Martinelli amid growing exit speculation

Ian Wright has accused Arsenal of treating Gabriel Martinelli disrespectfully, claiming the Brazilian winger has been excluded from squads without being told what his future holds, as speculation over his departure from the Emirates Stadium continues to mount.

Martinelli was absent from Arsenal’s Community Shield victory over Manchester City and their pre-season win against Coventry City, with summer signing Christos Tzolis starting both matches. Wright, speaking after the Coventry game, said he had direct knowledge that Martinelli had not been spoken to about his situation despite having just one year remaining on his contract.

“With respect to Martinelli and the way he’s being treated at the moment, it really makes me uncomfortable,” Wright 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.”

When pressed on what he meant, Wright was unequivocal: “Not being in the squad tonight, not being spoken to, doesn’t know what’s going on. Yes I do know this, I know this.”

Galatasaray held discussions with Arsenal over a potential transfer earlier this summer, though Martinelli is reported to have made clear he has no desire to play outside a top-five European league. AS Roma have also been linked with the 23-year-old.

Wright acknowledged that a high-profile arrival could change the dynamic for Martinelli, but argued the club’s current approach — bringing in Tzolis while leaving the winger in limbo — sends a confusing message. “If you bring Vini in, that kind of level, Martinelli can say to himself, ‘well okay they’ve brought him in and Tzolis, 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’. 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.”