Martinelli deserves better from Arsenal - Wright

What the report says

Ian Wright has said Gabriel Martinelli deserves more respect from Arsenal, after questioning how the club are handling the forward’s possible departure. The comments, reported by BBC Sport Football, come as Arsenal have invited offers for the Brazil international and left him out of recent match squads, including the Community Shield win over Manchester City and the Premier League opener against Coventry, which Arsenal won 3-0.

Martinelli, 25, has been a regular part of Mikel Arteta’s squad since joining from Ituano in 2019. He made 53 appearances in all competitions last season and scored 11 goals as Arsenal won the league title. BBC Sport reported that Arsenal deny he is being sidelined, saying his omission reflects competition for places rather than a deliberate freeze-out, with new signing Christos Tzolis used on the left wing against Coventry.

Wright told Sky Sports that the situation made him uncomfortable and that a player with Martinelli’s contribution should be dealt with more openly. Arsenal are understood to want at least one major sale before the transfer window closes, and Martinelli is viewed as one of their more marketable assets. The broader context is Arsenal’s effort to strengthen while managing established players who may have limited roles as the squad evolves.