Gabriel Martinelli was left out of the matchday squad by Mikel Arteta for the second game running, with Arsenal keen to sell the 25-year-old amid their search for a new forward
Ian Wright interview
Ian Wright feels 'uncomfortable' with the situation(Image: Sky Sports)
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Arsenal Ian Wright has slammed the club for their treatment of Gabriel Martinelli and admits he's 'uncomfortable' with how the situation is being handled amid ongoing uncertainty surrounding his future at the Emirates Stadium.
The Brazilian winger has been tipped to leave the club throughout the summer, and Turkish Super Lig outfit Galatasaray helds discussions over a potential transfer earlier this month.
However, Martinelli has reportedly made clear that he's happy at Arsenal and that he has no desire to play outside a top-five league, casting further doubt over his long-term prospects at the club. AS Roma have also been credited with an interest in the Brazilian, who was notably absent from Arsenal's victories over Manchester City in the Community Shield and Coventry City on Friday night.
Summer recruit Christos Tzolis featured from the start and caught the eye in both matches, with Arsenal keen to bring in another left-sided attacker to strengthen their frontline.
Speaking to Sky Sports after the game, Wright said: "With respect to Martinelli and the way he's being treated at the moment, it really makes me uncomfortable.
"He always gives 100 per cent, 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 to elaborate on what he meant regarding the treatment, Wright said: "Not being in the squad tonight, not being spoken to, doesn't know what's going on."
LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 9: Gabriel Martinelli of Arsenal during the pre-season friendly match between Arsenal FC and Borussia Dortmund at Emirates Stadium on August 9, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Jacques Feeney/Offside/Offside via Getty Images)
Gabriel Martinelli's contract expires in 2027(Image: Jacques Feeney/Offside/Offside via Getty Images)
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When asked whether he had direct knowledge of this, Wright confirmed: "Yes I do know this, I know this. Not being involved in the Community Shield squad, not being involved tonight, he doesn't know what's happening, he's got a year left.
"If you bring Vini in, that kind of level, Martinelli can say to himself, 'well okay they've brought him in and Zsolis, I might be third'. 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."
LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 21: Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal applauds the fans after winning the Premier League 2026/27 match between Arsenal FC and Coventry City at Emirates Stadium on August 21, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Nigel French/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images)
Mikel Arteta outlined the harsh reality(Image: Nigel French/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images)
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Arsenal's failed attempt to sign Vinicius Junior appeared to hand his fellow Brazilian a lifeline, but the Gunners are still on the hunt for a new left winger.
They've been linked with a move for Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez and Arteta was asked directly about whether or not they needed a player of his ilk.
Arteta said: "As I said, I'm really happy with the squad that we have, and the main focus is to improve the players that we already have because we already have a lot of good teams."