Ian Wright Slams Arsenal Over Gabriel Martinelli Transfer Handling
Despite making 53 appearances and scoring 11 goals last season as the Gunners secured the Premier League title, the 25-year-old winger has been omitted from recent matchday squads.
Wright Questions Arsenal’s Exit Strategy for Martinelli
According to former Arsenal striker Ian Wright, speaking on Sky Sports, the treatment of Gabriel Martinelli during the current transfer cycle feels uncomfortable. Wright stated that while clubs often need to move players on, there are proper methods for doing so that respect the player’s wishes and career trajectory. He was also omitted from the Community Shield victory against Manchester City the previous weekend.
Wright highlighted that the player remains in the dark about his immediate future. “Not being involved in the squad, not being spoken to, he doesn’t know what’s going on. And yes, I know this – he doesn’t know what is happening,” Wright told Sky Sports. The former forward emphasized that a player with 62 goals in 278 appearances across seven seasons for the club since joining from Ituano in 2019 deserves greater transparency.
Squad Depth and Managerial Perspective
Arsenal deny that Martinelli is being actively frozen out, attributing his absence to intense squad depth on the left wing. The club recently secured Christos Tzolis in a £34 million deal from Club Brugge, and Tzolis immediately impacted the fixture against Coventry. Furthermore, the Gunners pursued Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior before the Brazilian star extended his contract in Spain. Leandro Trossard, Christian Norgaard, and Jakub Kiwior have already departed Emirates Stadium this summer, alongside expected exits for Gabriel Jesus, Reiss Nelson, and Fabio Vieira, plus a planned loan for youngster Ethan Nwaneri.
Addressing the broader picture of squad turnover, manager Mikel Arteta spoke transparently prior to the Coventry fixture. “It’s a really tough moment, but you need to face that reality,” Arteta said. “You need to face it with real honesty and transparency because when you are on the other side, that’s exactly what you need. Everything has a start and has an end.”
Market Realities and Valuation
Arsenal have made it clear that Martinelli is available for transfer as they seek at least one significant sale before the window closes. The club views the Brazilian winger, alongside Gabriel Jesus and Fabio Vieira, as their most sellable assets.
As the transfer window ticks down, the resolution of Martinelli’s status will test Arsenal’s ability to balance ruthless squad evolution with internal player relations.
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