Martinelli deserves better from Arsenal - Wright

WHAT HAPPENED
Former Arsenal striker Ian Wright publicly criticised Arsenal’s handling of Gabriel Martinelli, saying the forward deserves “more respect” and questioning how the club have managed the possibility of his departure. Martinelli—who played 53 times and scored 11 goals in all competitions as Arsenal won last season’s Premier League—was left out of the squad for the Community Shield win over Manchester City and the Premier League opener at Coventry (a match Arsenal won 3-0). Arsenal have stated they invited offers for the player.

KEY CONTEXT
- Martinelli, 25, moved to Arsenal from Ituano in 2019 and has been a regular in Mikel Arteta’s first-team squad throughout the manager’s tenure, becoming a well-liked figure within the group.
- Across his Arsenal career he has scored 62 goals in 278 appearances.
- The club say Martinelli’s current absence from squads is down to squad depth rather than any deliberate “freezing out.” New signing Christos Tzolis started on the left wing against Coventry and drew positive notice, and Arsenal also tried to sign Vinícius Júnior before he signed a new Real Madrid contract.
- Arsenal have made clear they want at least one major sale before the transfer window closes and consider Martinelli one of their most sellable assets, alongside Gabriel Jesus and Fábio Vieira. Martinelli has declined a move to Galatasaray and would reportedly aim for a top European club if he leaves.

WHY IT MATTERS
- The situation highlights a tension between squad management and player treatment: a key contributor to last season’s title-winning campaign is currently out of matchday squads while the club explores transfer options, prompting public comment from a prominent former player.
- Arsenal’s transfer activity and selection choices for wide attacking positions (Tzolis, Noni Madueke, potential external targets) will shape their attacking balance as they attempt to follow up last season’s success. Arteta has framed departures as difficult but necessary sporting decisions that should be handled with honesty and respect.

WHAT TO WATCH NEXT
- Whether Arsenal complete a significant sale before the transfer window closes and if Martinelli is among the departures they authorise.
- Whether Martinelli reverses his decision about potential suitors such as Galatasaray, or secures a move to a top European club as indicated.
- How often Tzolis, Madueke and other wide players are selected going forward, and whether Martinelli is reintegrated into matchday squads if a permanent resolution is not reached.

KEY FACTS
- Martinelli made 53 appearances and scored 11 goals in all competitions last season as Arsenal won the Premier League.
- He has 62 goals in 278 appearances for Arsenal since joining from Ituano in 2019.
- Martinelli was omitted from the Community Shield and the Premier League opener against Coventry; Arsenal invited offers for him.
- Arsenal say his absence reflects squad depth; the club deny he is being frozen out.
- Arsenal view Martinelli, Gabriel Jesus and Fábio Vieira as their most sellable assets; Martinelli has turned down Galatasaray.