In order to sign Atletico Madrid midfielder Thomas Partey, Arsenal are ready to offer the services of Alexandre Lacazette. They are keen to push through the deal done and get it done. The 26-year-old Ghana international is Gunners boss Mikel Arteta’s No. 1 target, as confirmed by reports. He is looking to prioritise signing a new defensive midfielder this summer.
The £50m-rated midfield dynamo has become a key figure at Wanda Metropolitano and has been exceptional this season. He was Los Rojiblancos’ best player against Liverpool in their win against the European champions in the round of 16 of the Champions League.
Thomas Partey still has three years remaining on his contract with the Spanish capital club with the club determined to tie him down to a new package. Partey has a strong connection with the club and the fans having graduated from their youth system and the club are also looking to offer him a significant pay rise.
Will This Deal Actually Happen?
Diego Simeone hopes that he can retain the services of the combative midfielder until 2025. A much larger release clause figure inserted into his deal. It means Arsenal, who have limited funds to back the manager Arteta, will have to make a more lucrative offer if they want to prise away the midfielder from Spain.
As a result, Arteta could even be willing to sacrifice 28-year-old striker Lacazette in a part-exchange deal for the Ghanaian. The Spanish giants are looking to bring in a new striker and having failed to sign Edison Cavani in the winter window, Lacazette has emerged as a target.
The France international struggled to hold down a regular starting spot in the side following Arteta’s arrival in late December, with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang the preferred choice upfront ahead of him. The emergence of 20-year-old youngster Eddie Nketiah and Brazilian wonder Gabriel Martinelli has increased competition for places and Lacazette has become out of favour.
What Arsenal Actually Needs?
The problem with the Gunners is that they don’t really have the money to spend. They are in a situation where they are hoping to get a swap deal done. With that being said, this deal could benefit them.
Lacazette has not really delivered his best, since his move to the Emirates. He has always been in the shadow of some of the other players. The likes of Olivier Giroud and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang have seen far more success with the north London giants.
With that being said, he needs to make things happen for himself now. His motive is to play in the Euros next year. For that purpose, he needs to make a real impact and fast. Giroud seems to be Didier Deschamps’ first-choice as of now. Despite that, a good showing by the Arsenal man can change that.
Everything will now depend on what kind of form he can showcase once the season resumes. For that purpose, he needs to choose his future wisely. Whether that is actually at Arsenal or not, remains to be seen.
