‘Pleased with him’: Arteta says he’s delighted with Arsenal star Edu’s reportedly ready to sell

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Mikel Arteta says that he is ‘really pleased’ with Alexandre Lacazette’s performances for Arsenal right now. 

Happy manager

Speaking at his latest press conference, which was covered by Arsenal’s official website, Arteta spoke in depth about Lacazette’s recent form.

The Frenchman was actually promoted to be captain on Wednesday evening, as Arsenal ran out 2-0 winners over West Ham United.

But there still remains some doubts over his future at the Emirates Stadium.

Lacazette’s contract is due to expire in just a matter of months.

It arguably has just become more attractive for Arsenal to keep hold of the 30-year-old recently, because of Pierre Emerick Aubameyang’s situation.

Aubameyang has been stripped of the captaincy and could now be put up for sale in January.

If that is to happen then Lacazette’s importance to the side is only set to increase.

But Arteta insists that Aubameyang’s future has no direct impact on his thinking with Lacazette’s contract.

He said: “Alex’s performances, involvement and commitment is without question. It’s not related to his contract situation. I discussed it in the summer with him – what the situation was – and we are both clear on that. Auba’s situation is something separate to that.

“He’s always been a really important player, and since we’ve been together he’s played a lot under me. I have always been really pleased with him.”

Will Lacazette stay?

Lacazette hasn’t always been the most frequent scorer for Arsenal recently.

However, his form this season has been highly encouraging, and he does seem to have bought into Arteta’s ethos.

Lacazette does have clear strengths to his game and replacing him will be no easy feat for Arsenal.

Despite all this, Calcio Mercato reported that Edu was ready to sell Lacazette in January just three weeks ago.

Whether that stance has changed due to his form over the past month remains to be seen, but if Lacazette doesn’t sign a new deal then the appeal of cashing in on him next month is obvious, otherwise they risk losing him on a free.

The Gunners will understandably be wary of offering a long-term deal to an ageing player again, after the complications they have had in the past.

But with so many doubts over Aubameyang and Eddie Nketiah, keeping Lacazette around may be the smart option, otherwise they could have to restructure their entire attack in the summer.