Arsenal forward Gabriel Martinelli claims that Nottingham Forest right-back Djed Spence is the toughest individual opponent he has faced so far in his fledgling career.
The Gunners lost 1-0 to Forest in the FA Cup back in January and Martinelli says he had a difficult time getting the better of Spence:
“Actually the guy from Nottingham Forest, Djed Spence, who I played against in the FA Cup. He is very strong, good on the ball, calm and quick. I was surprised; he is a really good player.”
Both Arsenal and Tottenham have been linked with Spence in recent months. The 21-year-old is on loan from Middlesbrough and the Teessiders are thought to be asking for a fee in the region of £12m to £15m. Supporters on Twitter believe that the club should go after the fullback:
We should sign him in the summer!
— Erdin (@ErdinTheGunners) February 24, 2022
Djed Spence needed at the carpet. Arteta / Edu make it happen pls.
— Drogo (@khaldro53747048) February 24, 2022
Sign him up
— Viking (@VikingUK_) February 24, 2022
agent Martinelli
— Oskeh (@Oskeh13) February 24, 2022
He Knows Ball
— Yaminote! (@davidarmanih) February 24, 2022
Djed Spence… That’s one player I’d love Arteta to sign during the summer window
— Tunde Beyioku.🇳🇬 (@featlabel) February 24, 2022
Martinelli knows ball
— k gyesi 𓃵 (@_gyesi) February 24, 2022
It is surprising to hear Martinelli’s remarks, considering he has also come up against the likes of Chelsea’s Reece James and Manchester City’s Kyle Walker in the Premier League.
Spence is, though, a very promising young talent and his asking price is quite reasonable. We shall see if the Gunners do make their move in the summer.
