Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Boyers
Ian Wright has criticised Arsenal's handling of Gabriel Martinelli, after the Brazilian winger was once again left out of Mikel Arteta's squad for their Premier League opener.
Arsenal made the perfect start to their title defence with a 3-0 win over newly-promoted Coventry City at the Emirates, backing up their Community Shield triumph over Manchester City just a week earlier.
But while the result gave Gunners fans plenty to celebrate, Martinelli's continued absence from matchday squads has become the bigger talking point away from the pitch, with one club legend making his feelings on the situation very clear.
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Action Images via Reuters/Peter Cziborra
Martinelli, who currently earns £180,000 per week, was omitted entirely from the squad against Frank Lampard's Coventry, just as he had been for Arsenal's Community Shield win over Manchester City the previous weekend. The 25-year-old has only a year left on his contract and was the subject of a £38million bid from Galatasaray, though it's understood he has no interest in a move to Turkey.
Arsenal players
Arsenal players
At the beginning of the transfer window, Martinelli’s chances of more game time with the Gunners significantly increased, when Leandro Trossard, who had been preferred to the Brazilian for much of last season, moved to Besiktas for £15 million.
Since then, Arsenal have signed former Norwich winger Christian Tzolis, who impressed in the Community Shield with two assists. With Arsenal still open to selling him before deadline day, and Arteta having no intention of playing him, his situation appears increasingly unresolved.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta celebrates Champions League win against Atletico Madrid
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta celebrates Champions League win against Atletico Madrid
Ian Wright says Martinelli Deserves Better After his Arsenal Service
IAN WRIGHT
Speaking on Sky Sports after the Coventry win, Wright was upfront about how uncomfortable the situation has made him feel.
"Because he always gives 100 per cent, I'm not saying he's the greatest, but he's really come up with some big moments for Arsenal, some big games, he's scored some very important goals."
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The Arsenal legend pointed to the lack of communication as the real issue, rather than the decision to sell itself. "Not being in the squad, not being spoken to, doesn't know what's going on... For him to be nowhere near it, it makes me feel sad for him. I think he's done enough with this team, with this squad, to be treated with a little bit more respect than he's being treated at the moment."
Wright's words resonated with Piers Morgan, who is a lifelong Gunners fan. Morgan shared to X that he was in total agreement with the former Arsenal striker: "Agree with Wrighty. Martinelli’s been a loyal and important player for us for years. He should be treated with respect."
Since arriving at the Emirates in 2019, Martinelli has played 278 matches, racking up 62 goals and 36 assists. It is thought that Arsenal value him at close to £50 million as links to Napoli and Roma have started to emerge.