Ian Wright: Gabriel Martinelli deserves 'more respect' from Arsenal
Arsenal legend Ian Wright has questioned the club's handling of Gabriel Martinelli as the winger faces a potential exit from the Emirates Stadium.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Author: Ank kumar
Former Arsenal striker Ian Wright has voiced his discomfort regarding the treatment of Gabriel Martinelli. The club legend believes the 25-year-old winger deserves better treatment given his contributions to the Gunners' recent Premier League title-winning campaign.
Despite making 53 appearances and scoring 11 goals last season, Martinelli has been excluded from the squad for the league opener against Coventry and the Community Shield match against Manchester City.
The way Martinelli is being treated at the moment, it really makes me feel uncomfortable. He has done enough with this squad to be treated with a little bit more respect than he is being treated with at the moment. Ian Wright
Arsenal have denied that the Brazilian is being frozen out, attributing his absence to the squad's increased competition. The club has bolstered its options with the signing of Christos Tzolis, who has been deployed in Martinelli’s preferred position. Arsenal have made it clear they are open to offers for the forward as they look to conduct significant business before the window shuts.
Manager Mikel Arteta defended the club's approach, noting that while the decisions are tough, they are made with honesty and transparency. He emphasized that the club's responsibility is to make football-based decisions, even when it leads to the departure of established players.