Viral social media posts claiming Arsenal legend Ian Wright threatened to “stop supporting Arsenal” or claimed the club is “doomed for failure” are completely sensationalized clickbait.
However, Wright did publicly voice strong criticism on Sky Sports regarding how Arsenal and manager Mikel Arteta have handled Brazilian winger Gabriel Martinelli during the current transfer window.
WHAT IAN WRIGHT ACTUALLY SAID ON SKY SPORTS
Following Martinelli’s omission from Arsenal’s matchday squads against Manchester City in the Community Shield and Coventry City in their Premier League opener, Wright expressed concern over the lack of communication provided to the 25-year-old:
“With respect to Martinelli and the way he’s being treated at the moment, it really makes me feel uncomfortable. Because he always gives 100 per cent… 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.”
“Not being in the squad, not being spoken to, doesn’t know what’s going on… 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.”
At no point did Wright state he would stop supporting the Gunners or claim a sale to a direct rival would ruin the team.
MARTINELLI’S TRANSFER STATUS & SQUAD SITUATION
Al-Hilal Negotiations: After rejecting a £38m proposal from Turkish club Galatasaray, Martinelli opened talks with Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal, with Arsenal holding out for a fee near £60 million.
Attack Restructuring: Arsenal’s recruitment team has actively explored frontline additions—including Atlético Madrid’s Julián Álvarez and PSG’s Bradley Barcola—leading to reduced minutes for current wingers.
Pundit Backlash: Former Crystal Palace chairman Simon Jordan publicly responded to Wright on talkSPORT, defending Arsenal’s management and suggesting former players should let the club handle business privately.
MEDIA & FANBASE REACTION
Wright’s comments sparked significant debate among former players and supporters:
User @GunnerPulse: “Wrighty is just looking out for a player who gave everything for the shirt. The communication could definitely be better.”
User @NorthLondonUtd: “If Al-Hilal pay £60m for Martinelli, that funds the move for Julian Alvarez. It’s tough, but business is business.”
User @TalkArsenal: “Simon Jordan’s take was harsh. Wright is an Arsenal icon and has every right to care about how squad members are treated.”
WHAT COMES NEXT BEFORE DEADLINE DAY?
With the transfer window reaching its final days, Arsenal remain focused on resolving Martinelli’s future while finalizing their incoming attacking targets.