Alexandre Lacazette could yet stay at Arsenal and be offered a new deal, the Athletic report.
Lacazette to stay?
Lacazette has caught the eye in training, which has seen Mikel Arteta start picking him to start for Arsenal more regularly.
The French striker has really pressed from the front with Pierre Emerick Aubameyang and has helped to set the tone for his side.
Lacazette’s committed displays both on the pitch and in training are now ensuring that his future at the club isn’t entirely written off.
The 29-year-old has just months remaining on his current deal with the Gunners and no new contract has been agreed.
Lacazette will actually be free to talk to foreign clubs in January and his recent form will surely ensure that there is some interest in his services.
However, Arsenal have not yet ‘closed the door’ on him sticking around.
While Lacazette wants a long-term contract which Arsenal will not offer, a compromise could be met.
Arteta and Edu apparently would be willing to offer the front-man a shorter-term deal if he was prepared to accept less security over his future.
Smart strategy
That seems like a sensible policy from the Gunners.
Arsenal have been burdened by having ageing players on expensive, long-term contracts in the past and are not prepared to do so here.
That being said, losing Lacazette on a free transfer would unquestionably be a blow.
He has proven that he still has something to offer the side in recent weeks, with his place in their starting line-up now looking fairly secure.
And it will be interesting to see whether he is persuaded to sign up for another season at Arsenal, after the progress the side have made this term.
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