Arsenal legend, Ian Wright, has expressed concern over the club’s handling of Gabriel Martinelli, admitting he feels “uncomfortable” with the winger’s current situation at the Emirates.
Martinelli was left out of Mikel Arteta’s matchday squad for the second consecutive game as speculation over his future at Arsenal continues.
The 25-year-old Brazilian has been linked with a move away from the club this summer, with Turkish giants Galatasaray reportedly holding talks over a possible transfer earlier this month.
However, Martinelli is said to be content at Arsenal and unwilling to move to a league outside Europe’s top five, potentially complicating efforts to find him a new club.
Serie A side AS Roma have also been linked with an interest.
The winger was absent as Arsenal defeated Manchester City in the Community Shield and again when they opened their Premier League campaign with a 3-0 victory over newly promoted Coventry City on Friday.
Summer signing Christos Tzolis started both matches and impressed, while Arsenal are still looking to add another left-sided attacker to their squad.
Speaking to Sky Sports after the Coventry victory, Wright criticised the manner in which Martinelli is being treated.
“With respect to Martinelli and the way he’s being treated at the moment, it really makes me uncomfortable.
“He always gives 100 per cent, 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.”
Martinelli has been with Arsenal since 2019 and has played a key role during his time at the club, but his position under Arteta appears increasingly uncertain as the transfer window approaches its conclusion.
