‘I hate to see’… Ian Wright sends message to Mikel Arteta about 22-year-old Arsenal player

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Ian Wright has given his verdict on the recent performances of Arsenal winger Gabriel Martinelli.

The Arsenal legend does not think that manager Mikel Arteta is playing to Martinelli’s strengths.

So, what has Ian Wright said about Gabriel Martinelli? Let’s take a look.

Ian Wright wants to see more from Arsenal winger Gabriel Martinelli

Well, Arsenal lost 2-0 to West Ham United at the Emirates Stadium in the Premier League on Thursday evening.

As expected, Gabriel Martinelli started on the left of a front-three. The Brazil international winger was taken off in the 64th minute.

The £180,000-a-week (Spotrac) Brazil international winger had a disappointing match. The 22-year-old failed to test the West Ham defence and looked devoid of ideas.

Martinelli has made 16 starts and one substitute appearance in the Premier League for Arsenal so far this season.

The winger has scored two goals and given two assists in those games. I do not think that he has been at his best this season.

Martinelli scored two goals and provided one assist in three UEFA Champions League matches this campaign.

Arsenal legend Ian Wright has said how Arteta should play Martinelli, saying that the Brazilian needs to be more involved in build-up play.

Wright said about Martinelli on the Wrighty’s House podcast: “You look at our build-up play, and it’s very Saka-orientated. Odegaard – Saka, Odegaard – Saka. And when you look at Martinelli, especially earlier on when he was doing what he was doing. He was torching people.

“I would love to see at some stage Mikel find the same kind of service to him as quickly as they possibly can because he is somebody that wants to go past on the outside or on the inside.

“If Martinelli gets the ball and there’s two behind, Martinelli, we know that he will try to take them on, but on the main, he will come back and pass it back.

“I hate to see Martinelli going back the other way because the ball has not got there quick enough. Those are the things that I am thinking we have to be quicker in getting the ball to him.”

Arsenal need to win vs Fulham

Arsenal were disappointing against West Ham United. The Gunners have to bounce back with victory over Fulham away from home at Craven Cottage in London in the Premier League on Sunday.

The Gunners are now two points behind leaders Liverpool. Defending Premier League champions Manchester City are level on points with Arsenal.

Meanwhile, FootMercato has reported that Turkish clubs Besiktas and Trabzonspor have made contact with the agents of Arsenal defender Cedric Soares.