Arsenal will pose a tougher test for Paris Saint-Germain than Chelsea have in previous seasons, according to defensive midfielder Thiago Motta.

Ahead of the first UEFA Champions League group stage fixture on Tuesday, the 34-year-old has publicly stated his belief that Arsène Wenger’s side are “a level above” the Blues, based on the open style of play we choose to adopt.

PSG drew 1-1 at home against Saint-Etienne in their most recent Ligue 1 fixture and after the game, Motta was quoted as saying they “have not faced an English team that plays this way”, suggesting it’ll be a tougher fixture altogether.

Paris Saint-Germain's Italian midfielder Thiago Motta (R) vies with Saint-Etienne's French midfielder Henri Saivet during the French L1 football match between Paris Saint-Germain and Saint-Etienne at the Parc des Princes stadium in Paris on September 9, 2016. / AFP / FRANCK FIFE (Photo credit should read FRANCK FIFE/AFP/Getty Images)
Paris Saint-Germain’s Italian midfielder Thiago Motta (R) vies with Saint-Etienne’s French midfielder Henri Saivet during the French L1 football match between Paris Saint-Germain and Saint-Etienne at the Parc des Princes stadium in Paris on September 9, 2016. / AFP / FRANCK FIFE (Photo credit should read FRANCK FIFE/AFP/Getty Images)

PSG will be looking to improve upon their Champions League showing from last term, where they were knocked out at the quarter-final stage by Manchester City 3-2 on aggregate.

Even with Motta’s comments, it’ll definitely be a battle for the Gunners to overcome at the Parc des Princes. You could argue they’re stronger as a team without the enigmatic figure of Zlatan Ibrahimovic up-top, and with their impressive summer acquisitions, it’s sure to be an intriguing clash.

Saint-Etienne's players celebrate a goal during the French L1 football match between Paris Saint-Germain and Saint-Etienne at the Parc des Princes stadium in Paris on September 9, 2016. / AFP / FRANCK FIFE (Photo credit should read FRANCK FIFE/AFP/Getty Images)
Saint-Etienne’s players celebrate a goal during the French L1 football match between Paris Saint-Germain and Saint-Etienne at the Parc des Princes stadium in Paris on September 9, 2016. / AFP / FRANCK FIFE (Photo credit should read FRANCK FIFE/AFP/Getty Images)

With that being said, it’s clear that they’re a club in transition with Unai Emery at the helm – and the domestic results have been far from perfect, Monaco’s 3-1 victory and their recent draw means they’re without a win in two.

If this inconsistent form continues, questions will start being asked and they’ll be eager to avoid that.