Arsenal legend Ian Wright has criticised the club's handling of Gabriel Martinelli's situation, saying he feels 'uncomfortable' with how the Brazilian winger is being treated amid ongoing uncertainty over his future at the Emirates Stadium.
Martinelli has been linked with a move away throughout the summer, with Turkish Super Lig club Galatasaray holding discussions over a potential transfer earlier this month. However, the winger has reportedly made clear he is happy at Arsenal and has no desire to play outside a top-five league. AS Roma have also been credited with an interest.
Wright's concerns over treatment
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%, 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, Wright said: "Not being in the squad tonight, not being spoken to, doesn't know what's going on." 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."
Martinelli's squad status
Martinelli was notably absent from Arsenal's victories over Manchester City in the Community Shield and Coventry City on Friday night. Summer recruit Christos Tzolis started in both matches and caught the eye, with Arsenal keen to bring in another left-sided attacker.
Wright added: "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."
Arteta's response on transfers
Arsenal's failed attempt to sign Vinicius Junior appeared to hand Martinelli a lifeline, but the Gunners remain on the hunt for a new left winger. They have been linked with Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez, and Mikel Arteta was asked directly about whether 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."
