Jordan tells Wright to stay silent on Martinelli’s Al Hilal move

Simon Jordan warned Ian Wright that his public criticism of Arsenal’s handling of Brazil forward Gabriel Martinelli is uninformed and biased, as the winger, who has been omitted from the Emirates Stadium matchday squads, prepares to leave for Saudi club Al Hilal after rejecting a Turkish Galatasaray offer.

Wright questions Martinelli’s treatment

Ian Wright admitted he felt “uncomfortable” with the way Martinelli’s future is being dealt with at the Emirates Stadium. He said, “With respect to Martinelli and the way he’s being treated at the moment, it really makes me uncomfortable.” Wright also claimed he has “behind‑the‑scenes knowledge” of the transfer saga.

Wright highlighted that Martinelli was omitted from the Community Shield squad against Manchester City and from the Premier League opening night win over Coventry City. Instead, summer signing Christos Tzolis started on the left‑wing in both matches, underscoring the forward’s cold‑shoulder treatment.

Martinelli’s move to Al Hilal

Getty the Brazil international is set to join Saudi club Al Hilal after turning down a move to Turkish champions Galatasaray earlier this summer. The fee for the transfer would push Arsenal’s summer sales into record territory, surpassing Alex Oxlade‑Chamberlain’s £40 million departure to Liverpool in 2017.

Jordan fired back, describing Wright’s comments as “rather uninformed and rather biased, and one‑dimensional.” He added, “I don’t know what expertise he has in this, in his varied career of football administration that gives him this credence.”

Jordan also pointed out that Arsenal will continue to pay the player’s wages – reportedly around £100,000 a week – and that the club will conduct itself appropriately. He noted that Mikel Arteta has frozen out Martinelli at the start of the season.

Finally, Jordan mentioned that Martinelli has a year left on his contract and that the arrival of players such as Vinicius Jr, Christos Tzolis and Noni Madueke could further limit his opportunities, reinforcing his view that the club’s handling of the situation is justified.