Arsenal great Ian Wright has criticised the club’s handling of Gabriel Martinelli, admitting he is uncomfortable with the way the winger has been sidelined as uncertainty continues to surround his future at the Emirates.
Martinelli was notably absent from Mikel Arteta’s squad for Arsenal’s 3-0 victory over newly promoted Coventry City on the opening night of the Premier League season.
His omission has added further weight to speculation that the 25-year-old could be heading for the exit.
Wright believes that, regardless of Arsenal’s plans for the player, Martinelli deserves greater clarity and respect from the club.
Wright Questions Why Martinelli Has Been Frozen Out
Speaking on Sky Sports, Wright said Martinelli’s treatment had left him feeling uneasy, particularly because of the Brazilian’s contribution to Arsenal since arriving in 2019.
The former Arsenal striker acknowledged that Martinelli may no longer be considered an automatic starter, but argued that the winger has earned the opportunity to compete for his place rather than being pushed completely out of contention.
Wright pointed to Martinelli’s work ethic and his history of producing important moments for the club as reasons why Arsenal should handle his potential departure differently.
The situation is particularly difficult, Wright suggested, because Martinelli appears to have been given little indication of where he stands.
Arsenal’s New Attacking Options Have Increased the Pressure
Martinelli’s position has become increasingly uncertain following Arsenal’s decision to strengthen their attack.
The arrival of Christos Tzolis from Club Brugge has intensified competition for places, while Noni Madueke is also competing for a role in the wide areas. Arsenal had previously used players such as Leandro Trossard and Eberechi Eze ahead of Martinelli on the left.
However, Trossard has now moved to Besiktas, making Martinelli’s continued exclusion even more difficult to understand from Wright’s perspective.
Wright suggested that if Arsenal had signed an established superstar such as Vinicius Junior, Martinelli could reasonably accept that he had fallen down the pecking order.
But with Tzolis arriving, the former England international believes Martinelli could still feel he has enough quality to challenge for a starting position.
Martinelli’s Arsenal Record Gives Him a Strong Case
Martinelli has been a significant part of Arsenal’s squad since joining from Brazilian club Ituano as an 18-year-old in 2019.
The forward has made 278 appearances for the Gunners and scored 62 goals during his time in north London.
Last season, he contributed 11 goals in 53 appearances across all competitions while also providing seven assists.
His Premier League numbers were less impressive, however.
Martinelli scored only once in the competition and started just 11 of his 30 league appearances.
His most productive league campaign came in 2022-23, when he scored 15 Premier League goals.
Despite those fluctuations in form, his long service to the club and involvement in Arsenal’s successful campaign last season have made his current situation a talking point.
Community Shield Omission Added to the Growing Questions
Martinelli was also left out of Arsenal’s squad for the Community Shield, further suggesting that he may have fallen behind other attacking options in Arteta’s plans.
The winger was part of an Arsenal side that won the Premier League and reached the Champions League final last season, making his sudden marginalisation particularly striking.
For Martinelli, there is also a clear reason to be selective over his next destination.
Reports indicate that he is prepared to consider offers from major European leagues but does not want a move to Turkey.
Galatasaray reportedly submitted a £38 million offer, but Martinelli is understood to have no interest in moving to the Turkish club.
Roma have also been linked with the Brazilian.
Arsenal Put a £50m Valuation on the Winger
Arsenal are understood to value Martinelli at around £50 million as they consider the possibility of selling him.
The club’s position could create a difficult transfer situation, particularly with the player apparently wanting to remain in one of Europe’s strongest leagues.
Martinelli is also believed to have around a year remaining on his Arsenal contract, meaning the club faces an important decision over whether to cash in now or retain him and risk entering the final stages of his deal.
Wright’s comments suggest that the manner of any departure could be just as important as the financial terms.
Arteta Insists Arsenal Still Want to Improve
Arteta has continued to make it clear that Arsenal are not finished in the transfer market.
The manager recently said the club wants to add more quality and depth whenever suitable opportunities become available, while acknowledging that transfers ultimately depend on the availability of players and the willingness of other clubs to negotiate.
Arteta also stressed that Arsenal’s ambition to improve the squad remains unquestionable.
That approach could have major implications for Martinelli.
If Arsenal continue adding attacking talent, his opportunities may become even more limited unless the club decides to change course.
Arsenal Begin Title Defence in Style
While Martinelli’s absence dominated some of the discussion around the squad, Arsenal made an emphatic start to their Premier League title defence.
Kai Havertz, Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard were all on the scoresheet as Arteta’s side comfortably defeated Coventry 3-0.
The result immediately underlined the depth available to Arsenal, but it also highlighted the challenge facing players competing for limited attacking positions.
With the season now underway, Martinelli’s situation is likely to remain under scrutiny until the transfer window closes.
What Happens Next for Martinelli?
The coming weeks could determine whether Martinelli remains at Arsenal or begins the next chapter of his career elsewhere.
If Arsenal receive an offer close to their valuation and the player remains outside Arteta’s plans, a departure could become increasingly likely.
Equally, a failure to secure a suitable transfer could leave the Brazilian fighting for his place despite his current status.
For Wright, the central issue is not necessarily whether Arsenal should sell Martinelli, but whether the player is being given the respect and communication he deserves after years of service.
Summary
Gabriel Martinelli’s future at Arsenal has come under renewed scrutiny after he was left out of the squad for the Premier League opener against Coventry.
Ian Wright has criticised the situation, arguing that Martinelli has contributed enough to Arsenal to deserve a clearer and more respectful handling of his future.
With Christos Tzolis arriving, competition increasing and Martinelli apparently available for around £50 million, the Brazilian’s time at the Emirates could be approaching its final chapter.
For now, Arsenal’s strong start to the new season has provided Arteta with plenty of positives.
But Martinelli’s uncertain position remains one of the club’s biggest unresolved questions as the transfer window approaches its conclusion.
