According to Metro on Friday, August 21, 2026, Arsenal legend Ian Wright has criticized both the club and manager Mikel Arteta over the way Gabriel Martinelli is being handled. The Brazilian winger was left out of Arsenal’s squad for their Premier League opener against Coventry City, even though the reigning champions began their title defense with a convincing 3-0 victory at the Emirates Stadium.Kai Havertz, Bukayo Saka, and Martin Odegaard all found the net as Arteta’s side made an impressive start to the new campaign.
Nevertheless, Martinelli’s omission has intensified speculation about his future, particularly because he was also unavailable for the previous weekend’s Community Shield triumph over Manchester City.With only one year remaining on Martinelli’s contract, Arsenal are reportedly considering selling him before the transfer window closes rather than risk losing him for nothing later. Galatasaray have expressed interest and are said to have submitted a proposal worth £38 million. However, Martinelli reportedly rejected the prospect of moving to the Turkish league, leaving his next step uncertain.
Wright has criticized Arsenal’s approach, arguing that the club should treat Martinelli with greater respect because of the important role he has played since arriving at the Emirates. Speaking after the win over Coventry, the former Arsenal striker said the winger’s situation made him uncomfortable. Although Wright acknowledged that Martinelli has not consistently been one of the team’s most influential performers, he emphasized that the Brazilian has scored significant goals and delivered memorable performances for the club.
The former England international also argued that Arsenal should take Martinelli’s preferences into account if they have decided that a transfer is necessary. He questioned why the winger had been excluded from two high-profile matches in succession while apparently receiving limited information about his position within the squad or the club’s plans for his future.Wright recognized that Martinelli now faces stronger competition after Arsenal added Christos Tzolis and Noni Madueke to their attacking options.
However, he suggested that Martinelli might have been more accepting of a reduced role if Arsenal had signed an established global superstar such as Vinicius Junior. In Wright’s view, the arrivals of Tzolis and Madueke do not automatically mean that Martinelli is no longer valuable or capable of contributing to the team.Wright said he was saddened to see the Brazilian omitted entirely rather than included among the substitutes or given a clear explanation. Ultimately, he believes Martinelli has contributed enough throughout his Arsenal career to deserve dignity, transparency, and respectful treatment while the club decides whether he will remain at the Emirates or depart before the transfer deadline.
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