Arsenal transfer stance on Alexandre Lacazette revealed

These spells of resurgence are commonplace with Alexandre Lacazette. Otherwise known as purple patches, the striker has been through numerous periods of form like this since he joined Arsenal.

His most recent run in the starting lineup has come at the expense of Martin Odegaard. The fabulous energy Lacazette transmitted after coming on against Crystal Palace was a change and performance that proved instrumental in clawing a point back at the death.

Since then the striker has continued to encourage and drive his teammates on with outstanding work rate and battling brawn, even if goal threat, his once most formidable trait, is no longer part of his fabric.

But it is impossible not to be endeared by the man behind the No. 9. A consummate professional, even though it is difficult to justify the £50m Arsenal spent on a centre-forward who has gradually drifted further away from goal since his arrival and averages a goal every 2.6 matches, he is someone it’s near impossible not to rally behind.

Arsenal transfer stance on Alexandre Lacazette revealed ahead of January transfer window as new contract for striker is mooted under Mikel Arteta

Passion on the pitch and dedication off it, there is a not a soul in London Colney who has a bad word to say about him, nor a new arrival or academy star who hasn’t felt the embrace of his arm around their shoulder.

When he eventually departs north London he will do so as a signing who didn’t live up to his billing. Acquired as a goalscoring striker – as if there is another kind – recording a season-high 19 goals across all competitions is not value for money.

There will be those who rightly state that he ‘offers so much more than goals’. While true, he wasn’t brought in from Lyon on big money to link play as a second striker. And, if he was, perhaps someone who had played that deeper creative role their whole career might have been more fitting.

With his contract expiring in the summer, and the 30-year-old being free to agree to a pre-contract with a foreign club in January, it appears his time is up.

The Athletic report, however, that the door has not been closed on this just yet. The rumours over what happens next for Lacazette have been ongoing since the beginning of last season and they’re still rumbling on.

It’s said that a short-term agreement with the Frenchman has not been ruled out. But under what terms?

Continued on next page…