Alexandre Lacazette should think twice before move to Atletico Madrid

Alexandre Lacazette may be struggling to secure his play at Arsenal, but that doesn’t mean a summer move to Atletico Madrid would be a wise decision.

Atletico Madrid are looking for a new no. 9 and Alexandre Lacazette is a player who desperately wants to secure his place in a big club’s starting XI. That makes it natural for both sides to explore a transfer marriage this summer. It does not mean, however, that Lacazette should jump at a chance to move to La Liga.

Soccerlink, via Sports Mole, has the report that Atletico’s sporting director, Andrea Berta, has already reached out to the French forward’s representatives. That makes complete sense from Berta’s perspective. Diego Simeone’s team has lacked offensive firepower this year. Adding some additional options at centre forward is an absolute requirement for his club this summer.

Lacazette is an attacker with the potential to score goals in bunches. He’s been unable to beat out Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang at Arsenal, but there’s no shame in losing that battle. From an attacking perspective, he’s definitely capable of leading the line for Simeone’s squad.

The challenge for Lacazette would be playing tough enough football to satisfy the Argentine gaffer. His game is much more based on polish and pizzaz than any sort of brute strength. Lacazette is a far cry from Diego Costa. For the record, that’s the bullish striker who’s enjoyed the most success leading the line for Simeone.

Instead of moving to such a rough and tumble side, Lacazette should set his sights on a club with a style of play better suited to his own game. A move back to Ligue 1 must be just what he needs to get back into a starting XI on a consistent basis. That might not be as intriguing as a move to the Spanish capital, but it would be better for the striker’s career.

It’s also very possible that staying put at Arsenal would be Lacazette’s best decision. Aubameyang may decide this summer is his time to leave London for greener (aka more financially lucrative) pastures. If he departs then Mikel Arteta would likely welcome Lacazette back as his starting No. 9 with zero hesitation. Staying put with the Gunners would be a gamble by Lacazette, but it could easily pay off.

Moving to Atletico Madrid might sound good for Lacazette, but they are not the right club to revive his career. Playing for Simeone just isn’t the right fit for the talented Frenchman.