Thomas Partey is closing in on five years at Arsenal.
The Ghana international has played with a number of players at the club over the years, and he has seen the evolution under Mikel Arteta first-hand.
Arsenal’s attack has come under criticism this season, especially during Bukayo Saka’s absence. Almost everyone will tell you that the Englishman is Arteta’s best attacker.
However, in training, Partey has revealed that he would rather defend against Saka than another one of his teammates.
Thomas Partey says Gabriel Martinelli is more difficult to play against than Bukayo Saka
Arsenal signed Gabriel Martinelli when he was a teenager in the summer of 2019.
The Brazilian was initially expected to join the club’s academy side, but Unai Emery saw him and decided that he was good enough for the first team.
Martinelli had a phenomenal debut season at Arsenal, and he instantly became a fan favourite. He replicated that form in the 2022/23 season again and made a name for himself as one of the best attackers in the Premier League.
Over the last 18 months, however, Martinelli hasn’t been as effective as before, but Thomas Partey still rates him very highly.
When asked who is the most difficult player to defend against in training, the midfielder chose Martinelli over Saka.
He told Footy Culture: “It’s Martinelli.
“It has to be Martinelli. And Saka, but Martinelli, the ball always comes back to him. Joga Bonito.”
Gabriel Martinelli could be about to lose his place at Arsenal
Martinelli has been Arsenal’s first-choice left-winger for a few years now.
The Brazilian currently battles for his role with Leandro Trossard, but more often than not, Martinelli is preferred due to his pace.
However, after a couple of underwhelming seasons, Martinelli’s place could be at risk.
Arsenal have been heavily linked with Nico Williams ahead of the summer transfer window, while TBR revealed recently that the Gunners have held talks with Jermaine Bynoe-Gittens’ representatives over a move.
Both of the above players are more suited to a left-wing role, so if Arsenal sign either player, Martinelli may end up losing his starting spot.
