Tottenham now have a ‘really good’ player in their squad who shocked Gabriel Martinelli last season

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Arsenal forward Gabriel Martinelli has already given his opinion on Tottenham new-boy Djed Spence after facing him last season.

Spence was part of the Nottingham Forest side who knocked the Gunners out of the FA Cup last season.

He spent the season there on loan from Middlesbrough, but has now made his protracted move to north London.

Reports in February claimed that Mikel Arteta’s men were planning to make a move at the end of the season to get further cover for Takehiro Tomiyasu, but he was bound for Tottenham for months and has now moved.

Spence hailed by Martinelli

Also in February, Martinelli was asked by the Athletic who the toughest opponent he has faced in his career is and said it was Spence.

“Actually the guy from Nottingham Forest, Djed Spence, who I played against in the FA Cup,” he said.

“He is very strong, good on the ball, calm and quick.

“I was surprised; he is a really good player.”

The pair could resume their duel next season in a north London derby, which would be a tasty encounter between two talented young players.

Martinelli may well want revenge for the unceremonious dumping from the FA Cup, not to mention the late-season loss at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Spence is a promising young player but he has plenty to prove to show he is Champions League level, even if Martinelli’s comments indicate he has the talent.