Arsenal: 3 reasons Thomas Partey-Alexandre Lacazette swap a smart deal

1. Partey plays a needier position

Lacazette is an excellent, oft-overlooked and largely underrated player. Many fans ridicule him for this ‘twerking’ style, but in reality, this is hugely useful as the focal point of the attack. He has not lived up to his Player of the Season form from last year, but he has been Arsenal’s best player alongside Aubameyang for the past three years.

However, considering the other options in the squad, Partey fills a role that no other player is currently capable of. He blends the defensive instincts of Lucas Torreira, the size and physical presence of Granit Xhaka, and the drive, energy, and ball-carrying ability of Matteo Guendouzi. He is a complete midfielder, one that Arteta is keen to add to the squad.

At the striker position, Arteta already has other options. Eddie Nketiah started ahead of Lacazette prior to the current suspension of play, Gabriel Martinelli is a livewire and future star, while Aubameyang might also play through the middle should he stay and Lacazette depart.

At present, defensive midfield is a much greater need than centre-forward, with or without Lacazette. Arsenal, then, would be swapping an older player who needs a new contract at a position where they are more plentiful for a younger option who directly fills a need. That is a smart deal.