Paul Merson thinks Alexandre Lacazette will sign a new contract and stated that ‘Arsenal won’t let you down’ in what they offer him, as he told Sky Sports News (12/03/22 at 2:10 pm).
The former double-winner at Highbury made it clear that, even if Lacazette pens down a new one-year deal, he still thinks Arsenal need to dip into the summer transfer market and sign a ‘£80 million player’.
Lacazette has been donning the captain’s armband in recent months and he has been doing a fine job of it.
But the question remains, will he be the captain next season? His contract is due to expire in the summer and, at this moment in time, no call has been made on a new deal.
Whilst Merson thinks Lacazette will stay put, he doesn’t think, if Arsenal secure fourth spot, that the Frenchman will take the club to the ‘next level’ from that position.
“I do think they will offer him a new contract,” said Merson. “But does he take you to the next level? If you come fourth this year, does he take you to the next level?
“They will still have to go and buy an £80 million centre-forward. Then, you are giving someone who is going to be sitting on the bench, at least £200k-a-week.
“At the moment, I can’t see Nketiah staying. He hasn’t signed a contract. If you love Arsenal, you will sign straightaway.
“I think he will take it (one-year contract). I say that because, one he’s not going to get two years and number two, you aren’t going to give somebody like that £250k-a-week, who doesn’t really score goals. He suits Arsenal. It’s the perfect time for him.
“Arsenal will sit down with Lacazette, play like you did this season and we will give you another year. They won’t let you down Arsenal. Rolls-Royce.”
Lacazette scored his first goal in nine matches when Arsenal brushed aside Leicester City on Sunday.
The former Lyon man, who was brought to the club by Arsene Wenger, dispatched his spot-kick with ease to further cement Arsenal’s stronghold of that fourth spot.
Mikel Arteta’s side might be one point ahead of fifth-placed Manchester United, but they have a remarkable three games in hand.
Added with that, they are three points ahead of sixth-placed West Ham, with the same number of games in hand.
And six points ahead of Tottenham, but this time they have played one game extra than them and the two are still to meet for their rescheduled fixture at Tottenham’s stadium.
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