In a stunning revelation that has captured headlines across Europe, Paris Saint-Germain star and Moroccan international Achraf Hakimi has openly admitted his fear of facing one particular Arsenal player again—and it’s not who you might expect.
While fans were quick to assume he was talking about Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, or even Declan Rice, Hakimi shocked everyone by naming Arsenal’s midfield general, Thomas Partey.
Speaking candidly after PSG’s narrow Champions League win over Aston Villa, Hakimi couldn’t hide his awe and unease when discussing Partey.
Referring to Arsenal’s dominant performance against Real Madrid, which saw the Gunners advance to the semi-finals with a 5-1 aggregate win, Hakimi revealed how Partey’s performance left the PSG dressing room stunned.
“He’s more than a footballer—he’s a magician,” Hakimi said. “What he did with the ball, how he dictated the game… we couldn’t believe it.
The guys in our squad were either laughing nervously or just sitting in silence. We’re genuinely worried.”
While many were expecting the praise to go to flashier names, Hakimi clarified that it was Partey’s masterful control of the midfield that made the biggest impact.
He described Partey’s performance as “orchestral,” praising how he anticipated moves, broke up counterattacks, and launched attacks with ease.
“I tried pressing him, but he just spun away like I wasn’t even there,” Hakimi admitted. “He’s not flashy, but his intelligence? That’s world-class.”
Partey’s brilliance was on full display during Arsenal’s 2-1 victory over Real Madrid, securing their place in the Champions League semi-finals.
However, the joy was briefly clouded when he received a yellow card following a heated exchange with Antonio Rudiger, which initially meant he’d be suspended for the first leg against PSG.
But in a major turn of events, FIFA launched an investigation into the incident and ultimately overturned the yellow card after determining that Partey had been wrongly penalized.
Rudiger’s role in the altercation is now under further scrutiny, while Partey is officially cleared to play in the crucial semi-final clash.
This is a huge boost for Mikel Arteta, especially with midfielders like Jorginho sidelined and doubts lingering over Emile Smith Rowe’s availability.
Partey’s return allows Arsenal to field their most experienced and balanced midfield lineup, a critical advantage against PSG’s formidable attacking threat.
Arteta, visibly pleased, acknowledged Partey’s importance.
“He’s a vital piece of our midfield. His presence, discipline, and vision can’t be replicated.”
The reaction to Hakimi’s comments has been explosive.
Fans across social media are celebrating Partey’s rise to prominence, and former Arsenal legends like Patrick Vieira and Gilberto Silva have praised his transformation into one of Europe’s most intelligent midfielders.
And now, with the first leg against PSG set for April 29th, Hakimi and his teammates must face the very player who left them rattled.
“We got past Villa,” Hakimi warned. “But Arsenal with Partey? That’s an entirely different battle.”
With the Champions League final within touching distance, Arsenal fans are rallying behind their team and their now widely respected midfield maestro. As Partey simply tweeted: “Ready.”
The wait has been long, but for Arsenal fans, the dream is alive—and Thomas Partey is at the heart of it.
