Alexandre Lacazette doesn’t fit the Atletico Madrid profile as a centre-forward signing, according to European football journalist Graham Hunter.

Alexandre Lacazette of Arsenal scores his team's first goal during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and West Ham United at Emirates Stadium on March 07, 2020 in London, United Kingdom.
LONDON, ENGLAND: Alexandre Lacazette of Arsenal scores his team’s first goal on March 07, 2020. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

Speaking to Sky Sports, Spanish football journalist Graham Hunter explained why he doesn’t think Lacazette is the right profile for Atletico.

Lacazette’s name regularly gets a mention as part of a potential swap deal for Thomas Partey. The Gunners seem keen on the midfielder and he appears open to joining, but without finding a spare €50m, a swap might be the only way to make it happen.

Hunter doesn’t think Lacazette is the right player for such a deal, though. Whilst he admits Atletico need goals, he doesn’t think the Frenchman’s profile represents value for money.

“There is a need for goals, and whether Lacazette has all the requisites and specifically has the right age profile is questionable,” Hunter said.

“If you look at the majority of strikers [Atletico have] 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.”

Lacazette already hit back at one rumour claiming he was speaking to Antoine Griezmann about a move. It’s very possible a swap deal isn’t actually on the cards at all, and it’s just one of those media rumours that makes enough sense that people will believe it.

First things first, Arsenal and Atletico both need to try and complete their seasons strongly. As things stand, the two clubs are outside the Champions League places, so they need the campaign to restart with a positive run of results.