IAN WRIGHT CRITICISES ARSENAL OVER MARTINELLI EXCLUSION

Ian Wright has criticised Arsenal's handling of Gabriel Martinelli after the Brazilian winger was excluded from the squad for Arsenal's Premier League opener against Coventry City. Arsenal won the match 3-0 at the Emirates Stadium. Martinelli was also absent from Arsenal's Community Shield fixture against Manchester City the previous weekend. The 25-year-old has one year remaining on his contract.

Martinelli earns £180,000 per week at Arsenal. He received a £38 million offer from Galatasaray, though reports indicate he has no interest in joining the Turkish club. Leandro Trossard, who had been preferred to Martinelli for much of the previous season, left Arsenal to join Besiktas for £15 million at the start of the transfer window. Arsenal have since signed former Norwich winger Christian Tzolis, who provided two assists in the Community Shield.

Arsenal remain open to selling Martinelli before the transfer deadline, according to reports. Manager Mikel Arteta has indicated he does not intend to select the player for upcoming fixtures. Martinelli's situation remains unresolved as the transfer window continues.