Ian Wright slams classless Arsenal for mistreatment of ‘big moments’ player – ‘makes me uncomfortable’ | OneFootball

Ian Wright has fired shots at Arsenal for what he perceives to be their mistreatment of Gabriel Martinelli, with the Gunners legend also revealing what he’s been told about the Brazilian behind the scenes.

Arsenal laid down an early marker on Friday night, and whilst it was against newly-promoted Coventry City, it’s easy to see why they’re overwhelming favourites to retain their Premier League title this season.

One of Mikel Arteta’s new signings, Christos Tzolis, again looked impressive after shining in his debut in the Community Shield last Sunday too.

Tzolis lined up on the left wing, which for much of last season, was Martinelli’s spot. Yet despite signing Tzolis, Arsenal remain in the market for an even higher profile left winger, as evidenced by their pursuits of Morgan Rogers and Vinicius Junior this summer.

Accordingly, Martinelli has been deemed surplus to requirements, with Galatasaray alerted to the situation and recently offering €45m for the Brazilian.

And in a clear indication Arsenal are finished with Martinelli, he was left out of their matchday squad for the second successive game, despite the fact the superstar-calibre left winger is still to arrive.

Martinelli’s omissions have not sat well with Gunners legend, Ian Wright, who tore into his former club when speaking on Sky Sports on Friday night.

Ian Wright slams classless Arsenal

Wright admitted: “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.”

When pushed on what specifically about Arsenal’s handling of Martinelli makes him feel this way, Wright added: “Not being in the squad tonight, not being spoken to, doesn’t know what’s going on.”

Wright was then asked if he actually knows whether Martinelli is being kept in the dark, or whether he’s simply surmising.

The former striker replied: “Yes I do know this, I know this. Not being involved in the Community Shield squad, not being involved tonight, he doesn’t know what’s happening, he’s got a year left.

“If you bring Vini in, that kind of level, Martinelli can say to himself, ‘well okay they’ve brought him in and Tzolis, I might be third’. But if you’re bringing in Tzolis and Madueke’s there, you’re thinking to yourself, ‘I’ve got something to offer here’.

“So for him to be nowhere near it, just makes me feel a bit sad for him. I think he’s done enough in this squad to be treated with a bit more respect than he’s been treated at the moment.”