Football expert explains what Atletico Madrid will reply to Arsenal’s Lacazette/Partey swap proposal

Arsenal are interested in Thomas Partey as its been claimed that Mikel Arteta has made him his main summer transfer target and the comments that his dad added more fuel to the rumours as it came unexpectedly and he outright said that the Ghanaian international would be coming to the Emirates Stadium. A swap including Lacazette and Partey has been making rounds in the last few days.

There have been many reports about Arsenal’s interest in Thomas Partey but everyone understands how it will be difficult for the North Londoners to sign the 26-year-old in the summer when all the clubs around the world have taken massive financial losses due to the Coronavirus putting an end to most football leagues.

There was recently a report that said that Arsenal would be hoping to agree a swap deal of Lacazette and Partey plus a small amount of money and the gooners have been happy with this idea since their French striker has underperformed in this campaign while the Atletico Madrid midfielder would instant improve Mikel Arteta Arteta’s side.

LONDON, ENGLAND – MARCH 07: Arsenal’s Alex Lacazette reacts after his goal is ruled out for offside during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and West Ham United at Emirates Stadium on March 07, 2020 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

European football expert Graham Hunter has however explained that even though Atletico Madrid are indeed in need of a striker but that they would however require cash instead of making a swap deal with the gunners since they are in dire need of money and that Lacazette might not fit the profile that they want at the moment.

“Right now, Atletico need the stability of a cash injection, and I think that would be more attractive on balance, but the current team’s primary flaw at the moment is a lack of goals.” Graham Hunter told Sky Sports.

“It’s something that has actually dogged them for some time: they’ve scored 31 goals in 27 league games – just over a goal a game.”

LONDON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 27: Alexandre Lacazette of Arsenal during the UEFA Europa League round of 32 second leg match between Arsenal FC and Olympiacos FC at Emirates Stadium on February 27, 2020 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

“Atleti are currently outside of the top four only by a point, but to not get into the Champions League next season would be very debilitating for the club financially. There is a need for goals, and whether Lacazette has all the requisites and specifically has the right age profile is questionable.”

“If you look at the majority of strikers they’ve purchased in their recent history, they tend to be in their very early 20s and they pick well. Lacazette has got the talent and the pace, there’s no question about that, but whether he’s what Atleti need right now with his salary, I’d be a little unsure.”