Ian Wright slams Arsenal, Mikel Arteta over Martinelli’s Coventry snub

Arsenal omitted Gabriel Martinelli from Mikel Arteta’s squad for the 3‑0 win over Frank Lampard’s Coventry City on the Premier League opening night, prompting former Gunners star Ian Wright to publicly condemn the club’s handling of the 25‑year‑old on 22 August 2026.

The piece was written by LUKE POWER and published on 22 August 2026.

Wright’s public rebuke

Wright told on Friday night that he feels “uncomfortable” with the way Martinelli is being treated and that the winger “should be given a chance to compete to start at Arsenal”.

He added that Martinelli “always gives 100 per cent” and has produced “big moments” and “very important goals” for the club.

Martinelli’s marginalisation

Arteta has insisted the trio of Martinelli, Ethan Nwaneri and Gabriel Jesus are “important”, yet Martinelli has been sidelined since the £34 million signing of Christos Tzolis from Club Brugge.

The recent exit of Leandro Trossard to Besiktas makes it confusing why Martinelli is not competing for a starting spot.

Arsenal move for this talented midfielder should Arteta snap him

The 25‑year‑old contributed 11 goals and seven assists across all competitions last season and has been a regular since joining in 2019.

He has played 278 times for Arsenal, scoring 62 goals, including 11 strikes in 53 appearances last season.

In the Premier League he scored only once, making 30 top‑flight appearances with just 11 starts, while Arteta often preferred Eberechi Eze and Leandro Trossard on the left.

Martinelli was also omitted from the Community Shield final squad, underscoring his marginalisation.

Transfer speculation and club stance

Arsenal value him at around £50 million, but he is only willing to listen to offers from the strongest leagues; Galatasaray made a £38 million bid, which he rejected, and Roma have also shown interest.

Arteta said the club is actively looking to improve the squad, but “the market doesn’t just depend on you” and few quality players are available.

Wright concluded that Martinelli has done enough for the Gunners and deserves more respect, suggesting his exclusion signals a likely departure.