Ian Wright: Gabriel Martinelli deserves 'more respect' on...

Ian Wright: Gabriel Martinelli deserves 'more respect' on...

According toBBC.

Background

Gabriel Martinelli, who joined Arsenal in 2019, has become a pivotal player in coach Mikel Arteta's squad. However, his absence from recent matches raises questions about his future with the club, especially in light of interest from other clubs.

Why is this important?

Ian Wright's statements highlight the growing concern about Gabriel Martinelli's future with Arsenal, as the player is considered an essential part of the team after his great contributions last season. His absence from the opening matches may affect the team's balance and performance in the English Premier League, especially with the intense competition this season.

Key points

• Ian Wright: Gabriel Martinelli deserves 'more respect' on...
• Ian Wright criticizes Arsenal's treatment of Gabriel Martinelli and stresses the importance of respecting the player and providing clarity to him in the event of his departure.
• Arsenal: Gabriel Martinelli 'deserves more respect' over possible exit, says Ian Wright - BBC Sport.

Arsenal legend Ian Wright has spoken of the need for Gabriel Martinelli to be given "more respect" by the club, referring to the way the player's potential departure was handled. Last season, Martinelli made 53 appearances in all competitions and scored 11 goals, helping Arsenal win the Premier League title. However, he was left out of the squad for their opening league match against Coventry FC, which ended in a 3–0 win for Arsenal.

The Brazilian player also missed the Community Shield match against Manchester City, as the club received offers to sign him. Wright told Sky Sports: "The way Martinelli is being treated right now makes me feel uncomfortable. I know they might want to let him go, and many would say it's time for him to go. But there are ways to do it, and it has to suit him as well, how he wants to leave."

Wright added: "There is no information about what is happening, and they are not talking to him, which makes him feel uncertain. He has done a lot for this team and deserves to be treated with more respect than he is currently being treated."

Martinelli joined Arsenal from Brazilian club Ituano in 2019, and has since been part of the first-team during Mikel Arteta's coaching spell, where he has become a popular player in the group. However, it looks like Martinelli could be among the first casualties in Arsenal's quest to build on their title success.

Arsenal denies that Martinelli has been frozen, stressing that his absence is due to the strength of the team and their contract with Christos Tsoulis, who shone in his preferred position on the left wing.

According to sources from BBC Sport, Arteta explained to Martinelli his position and reasons for not including him in the matches. Arsenal also tried to sign Vinicius Junior, another winger, before the Brazilian player agreed to a new contract with Real Madrid.

Wright also said: "If you bring in Vinicius, Martinelli can say to himself: 'Okay, they've brought in this player, they've brought in Tsoulis, I'm probably third in the pecking order'. But if you bring in Tsoulis and you have Noni Madueke on the other side, you feel you still have a chance."

Arsenal are planning to make at least one major signing before the end of the transfer window, and have clearly indicated that Martinelli is available. They see him as one of their most sellable assets, alongside striker Gabriel Jesus and midfielder Fabio Vieira. Martinelli has already rejected a move to Galatasaray and would like to move to a top European club if he decides to leave the Emirates Stadium.

Concluding his speech, Arteta said: "It's a really difficult time, but you have to face this truth. You have to face it honestly and transparently, because when you're on the other side, you need to. You may not like what you've been told, but if it's honest, if it's the truth, and if it's going to help you make better decisions and provide more clarity for the next steps in your career, then you have to do it. Everything has a beginning and an end. And when it comes to the end, it's our duty and our responsibility to do it in the best way possible while maintaining respect and admiration." For the player and the relationship, but with the understanding that in the end, we need to make sporting decisions.

What's next?

Arsenal are expected to continue evaluating their options for Martinelli, especially with potential offers to sign him. If the situation is not resolved soon, the player's performance in the upcoming matches may be affected, which could affect the team's season as a whole in the Premier League.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the result of Arsenal vs Coventry?

The Arsenal vs. Coventry match ended in a 3-0 victory for Arsenal.

How did the result of the Arsenal match affect the league standings?

The victory over Coventry helped Arsenal strengthen its position in the English Premier League.

What is Arsenal's next match?

The article does not mention details about Arsenal's next match.

How many goals did Gabriel Martinelli score last season?

Gabriel Martinelli scored 11 goals last season.

Why did Martinelli miss the Coventry match?

Martinelli missed the match due to the strength of the squad and Arsenal signing Christos Tsoulis.

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