Arsenal’s hopes of using Alexandre Lacazette as a makeweight in a deal to sign Thomas Partey from Atletico Madrid appear to have hit a stumbling block. The La Liga club are believed to be willing to sell the midfielder, but their current financial situation leaves them favouring a straight cash deal. Atletico had been linked with Lacazette, sparking talk that he could be used as a makeweight in the Gunners’ bid to secure Partey’s services. However, Spanish football expert Graham Hunter believes that Arsenal will need to meet Partey’s £43.5 million release clause in order to sign the player. “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,” he told Sky Sports. “There’s a n...