Arsenal transfer twist as Alexandre Lacazette set for new contract

The future of Alexandre Lacazette has been at the forefront of transfer speculation building up to the summer. Mikel Arteta has a striker dilemma on his hands and Arsenal had seemingly come to a decision on his future, one that appears to have taken a twist.

Oh Alexandre Lacazette. You love him, but you never hate him. He frustrates, but he never truly elates.

Patches of fine form intertwined with spells of drought have become the regular timeline of his spell in north London, pulling out performances in big games then going missing for others.

With Folarin Balogun and Eddie Nketiah unable to break into the first team and edging closer to exits in the summer, the same was expected of Lacazette who with little over a year left on his contract and edging closer to 30 years of age, it felt was due a change of scenery.

Arsenal transfer twist as Alexandre Lacazette set for new contract by Mikel Arteta

Mikel Arteta has spoken about the situation with the Frenchman on numerous occasions throughout the season, with his most recent comments hinting strongly that an exit was on the cards:

"“He’s got a contract with us,” he said. “He played really well the other week. It’s exactly what we demand him to do. I’m really happy with him and the discussions about his contract will happen soon and we will see what happens. “I’m hoping that a player under contract will continue with us. Every case is different and we’re going to assess that and we’ll make a decision in relation to that.”"

Balance those words with those used when Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was in a similar situation and it suggests he will give his all this season until the summer when he will move on.

Lacazette is, however, the second top scorer for Arsenal this campaign with 13 goals, with three of those coming from the penalty spot. One of his best halves of football in recent memory came last time out too, as he was outstanding in the second half of the comeback draw with West Ham.

While it appeared that Arsenal would cash in on the former Lyon man, there have been new developments that suggest otherwise.

Arsenal Have U-Turn on Alexandre Lacazette Future

As per ESPN, Lacazette is in a strong position when it comes to his future. This shouldn’t factor in to any decision, however; it’s claimed that his importance to the dressing room and experienced standing within the squad have made it so.

As a result, Arteta has signaled his intention of handing the 29-year-old a new deal.

Of course, dressing room harmony is essential in building a squad with the right mentality. Arteta has sought to alter the culture at Arsenal and players who are bought into the philosophy and respected by their teammates plays a part in that.

Lacazette is a very likable figure. He may not be the prolific scorer most wish he’d be, and he may miss more chances than supporters would like, but his commitment and work-rate are exemplary. He never leaves anything on the pitch.

https://twitter.com/Arsenal/status/1373680958499602437

What Arsenal need is an upgrade. Lacazette does get more criticism than is sometimes merited but when looking towards the future there is a need to move on from the past. At his age and with the chance to earn money for him, the club shouldn’t refuse the opportunity.

However, so much depends on what happens this season. If Arsenal win the Europa League and return to the Champions League, their financial standing is far greater to go out and purchase the replacement they need. Should they fail to and be left without European football next season, the purse strings will tighten to near closed, thus the feeling may be they could do worse than Lacazette.

With Sevilla, Roma and Atletico Madrid among a ‘growing list‘ of teams monitoring the situation, the interest can’t be shunned entirely. It’s added that talks have yet to take place between the two parties.

Arteta’s intention may be influenced by Nketiah and Balogun, who if are to leave still present Arsenal with another striker to buy and Lacazette on another contract, perhaps just a single year, would allow them to revisit a sale in the summer of 2022 where they could still accrue some monetary gain for his services.

Yet another transfer situation that will gain clarity as the season progresses, both in terms of Lacazette’s form and Arsenal’s exploits.