Arsenal have decided to delay contract talks till the summer with in-form striker Alexandre Lacazette according to manager Mikel Arteta. Despite Lacazette having less than 18 months of his current contract left, the manager insists it’s a situation they’ll deal with at the end of the season.
Arsenal Delay Contract Talks With Lacazette
Lacazette Turning Arsenal Fortunes Around
After a barren run of form, Alexandre Lacazette has now scored four goals in his last three Premier League games. The Frenchman scored against Manchester City in the Carabao Cup Quarter Final as well which makes it five goals in four matches in all competitions.
Lacazette has nine goals to his name so far this season which makes him Arsenal’s top scorer this season. His goals have helped Arsenal come out from the disastrous position they were in just a couple of weeks ago. The Frenchman’s recent form has changed the opinion of many at the Emirates, who may have felt he was surplus to requirements. Many of them are now open to the idea of Lacazette getting a new deal.
Mikel Arteta in No Rush
Mikel Arteta said there is no rush to get Lacazette tied down. Speaking after the 4-0 win against West Bromwich Albion, the Spaniard said: “We have not talked about anything related to his contract. I am delighted with the way he has performed because he is scoring, has the form and energy at the moment so he needs to keep doing that. We will talk in the summer and make a decision then.”
Recent experiences should make the Arsenal management think hard before handing Lacazette a new deal. The ugly Mesut Ozil saga is still rumbling on. Willian has not performed at all. In addition, other experienced players like David Luiz has also disappointed since joining.
Given the age profile of the squad, and the need to raise funds for rebuilding, it might make sense to sell Lacazette in the summer if a good fee is found. However, Arsenal fans will hope that he can continue this hot streak between now and then.
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