Transfer Centre

Arsenal to use Alexandre Lacazette in Thomas Partey deal?

By Barney Corkhill, Editor | 07 July 2020

Arsenal could reportedly use Alexandre Lacazette as a makeweight in any deal to bring Thomas Partey to the club from Atletico Madrid this summer.

Arsenal are reportedly considering using Alexandre Lacazette as a makeweight in any deal to bring Thomas Partey to the club from Atletico Madrid this summer.

Thomas is understood to be the Gunners' number one transfer target for the upcoming window, but his fee is proving to be a hurdle with Arsenal reluctant to spend big due to the financial effect of the coronavirus pandemic.

Atletico are unwilling to accept anything less than his €50m (£45.2m) release clause should Arsenal insist on a cash-only offer, but L'Equipe reports that they would be open to a swap deal with Lacazette.

The French striker has fallen down the pecking order under Mikel Arteta recently, with Eddie Nketiah being preferred to lead the line since returning from his loan spell with Leeds United.

Arteta recently hinted at fresh contract talks with Lacazette, but the 29-year-old is considered a prime candidate to raise funds for other targets should Arsenal need to sell before they buy.

Atletico could face competition for his signature, though, with Juventus and AC Milan also thought to be keeping close tabs on the striker.

Lacazette has scored 10 goals in 32 appearances across all competitions this season.