Arteta Is Not Treating Martinelli With Respect – Ian Wright

Arsenal legend Ian Wright has blasted Mikel Arteta for leaving Gabriel Martinelli out of the squad entirely for their Premier League opener. He recently had his say while speaking to the press, and fans have been reacting.

Stressing that Martinelli deserves far more respect after being left in the dark regarding his future, Wright expressed deep disappointment over the club’s treatment of a player who has consistently given his all for the team.

Ian added that he wouldn’t blame the Brazilian winger for backing himself to compete favourably with Tzolis for the club’s left-wing position.

His words, “In respect to Martinelli and the way Martinelli has been treated at the moment it really makes me feel uncomfortable.

Because he always gives 100 per cent, I’m not saying he’s the greatest, he’s really come up with some big moments for Arsenal, some big games, he’s scored some very important goals.

The way he’s been treated at the end here, I know they might want him out, and there’s a lot of people saying, ‘yeah, maybe it’s time for him to move on’, but there’s ways of doing that and it should suit him as well, how he wants to leave.

Not being in the squad, not being spoken to, doesn’t know what’s going on, yes, I do know this, again, not being involved in the Community Shield squad, he doesn’t know what’s happening, I think he’s got a year left [on his contract].

If you bring Vini [Vinicius Junior] in, that kind of level in, Martinelli can say to himself, ‘well, okay, they’ve brought him and Tzolis, I might be third [choice]’, but if you’re bringing Tzolis in, and he’s looking at Tzolis, you look at Madueke on the other [wing], you’re thinking to yourself, ‘I think I can still have it with these two, I still think I’ve got something to offer here’.

For him to be nowhere near it, it makes me feel sad for him. I’m just saying I think he’s done enough with this team, with this squad, to be treated with a little bit more respect than he’s being treated at the moment.”