Arsenal legend Ian Wright causes tension after voicing concern over Martinelli’s treatment

Martinelli has been linked with a move away from North London throughout the summer, with Turkish club Galatasaray reportedly discussing a potential transfer. 

However, the Brazilian is said to be happy at Arsenal and has expressed a desire to remain in one of Europe's top-five leagues, complicating any potential exit.

The 23-year-old's future was cast into further doubt after he was conspicuously left out of the squads for both the Community Shield victory against Manchester City and the Premier League opener versus Nottingham Forest. 

Ian Wright’s criticism of Arsenal’s treatment of Gabriel Martinelli has sparked sharp division among fans and pundits.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Wright condemned the way the club is managing the player. "With respect to Martinelli and the way he's being treated at the moment, it really makes me uncomfortable," he stated.

"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," Wright continued. 

"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 are ways of doing that which should suit him as well."

When asked to clarify his comments, Wright revealed the extent of Martinelli's exclusion. "Not being in the squad tonight, not being spoken to, doesn't know what's going on," he explained, confirming he had direct knowledge of the situation. 

"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."

Wright suggested that while competition from a top-tier signing like a hypothetical Vinicius Jr. would be understandable, the current circumstances are different. 

"If you bring Vini in, that kind of level, Martinelli can say to himself, 'well okay they've brought him in... I might be third'. But if you're bringing in [other players], 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," Wright concluded. "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."