'I'm leaving!' - Oleksandr Zinchenko shocks Rio Ferdinand with huge Thomas Partey Arsenal claim

Arsenal defender Oleksandr Zinchenko has claimed that Thomas Partey is better than Manchester City star Rodri and Manchester United man Casemiro.

Partey has endured a different start to the 2023/24 campaign, operating in a new position as an unorthodox inverted right-back whilst Declan Rice has been deployed as the Gunners' holding midfielder. The Ghana international was excellent for the majority of last term as Mikel Arteta's side led the Premier League title race.

However, Partey's form dipped in the final two months of the season, with the north Londoners eventually finishing five points behind treble winners City. Despite that, Zinchenko has backed his teammate as the league's best no.6.

When asked if Partey was better than United midfielder Casemiro, Zinchenko told the Five YouTube channel: «I don't want to say something bad. Casemiro is a world-class player, five Champions Leagues. But if I had to choose, it would be Partey.

»I had the debate in my head, who is the best holding midfielder I have ever played with — it was between Fernandinho, Rodri and Partey. It is a tough one. I watched Fernandinho when he was at Shakhtar and he helped me so much. I love him like an older brother."

Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand was clearly in disbelief when Zinchenko rated Partey above the City maestro, saying: «I am leaving the room. I think he is great, but better than Rodri?»

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Zinchenko then replied: «Rio, please come and see him in training. He has everything.»

The Ukraine international then made sure to voice his admiration for Rodri as well, adding: «He fits so well in City's system, take him out and it is a different City, for