Martinelli deserves better from Arsenal - Wright

What the report says

Former Arsenal striker Ian Wright has criticised the club’s handling of Gabriel Martinelli, saying the Brazil international deserves more respect as uncertainty grows over his future. The comments were reported by BBC Sport and republished by Nile Post, with the issue centring on Martinelli’s omission from recent Arsenal matchday squads.

According to the report, Martinelli was left out of the squad for Arsenal’s league opener against Coventry, which the Gunners won 3-0, and he was also absent from the team that beat Manchester City in the Community Shield. Arsenal have reportedly made Martinelli available for transfer and are understood to be seeking at least one major sale before the end of the window. The club say his absence is down to squad depth rather than a deliberate freeze-out.

Wright argued that, if Arsenal want to move the winger on, it should be handled in a clearer and fairer way. He said Martinelli has already contributed enough to the team to be treated better. Martinelli, 25, joined Arsenal from Ituano in 2019 and has become a regular under Mikel Arteta.

The article also notes that Arsenal have explored strengthening on the left wing, including interest in other wide players, which may increase competition for Martinelli’s place. More broadly, the situation reflects the pressure clubs face when balancing squad planning, player value and respectful exits during transfer windows.