Paul Merson has implored Arsenal to release Alexandre Lacazette at the end of the current campaign.
Lacazette was named as Arsenal’s new captain by manager Mikel Arteta on Wednesday afternoon.
The French hitman has replaced Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang as skipper.
However, the former Lyon striker, a £46 million signing in 2017 [Goal], must also replace Aubameyang as the Gunners’ talisman.
But with only three Premier League goals in 16 outings this season, finding the back of the net has proven difficult for Lacazette.
With his contract expiring this summer, Lacazette could potentially fire himself to an extension if he improves his goalscoring form between now and the end of the season.
However, former Arsenal midfielder Merson is adamant that the 30-year-old – who turns 31 in May – should be disposed of when his contract expires, irrespective of how many he scores between now and then.
He told Sky Sports: “If Alexandre Lacazette goes and gets 10 goals before the end of the season, they can’t get lazy and just give him a new deal worth £250,000-a-week, thinking it might be his season next season.
“However, for me, Lacazette has had his time at Arsenal. Whatever he does between now and the end of the season, he’s had his chance at the Emirates Stadium.”
Difficult situation
By terminating Aubameyang’s contract last week, the Arsenal manager has backed himself into a difficult corner.
If Lacazette does fire on all cylinders over the coming months, how does Arteta not reward him with a new deal?
Remember, Eddie Nketiah is also out of contract this summer, meaning that Folarin Balogun – the 20-year-old on loan at Middlesbrough – could be Arteta’s only recognised number nine at the beginning of the transfer window.
With only two Premier League appearances for Balogun, that’s a grim scenario for Arsenal to find themselves in and if Lacazette does the business, an extension can’t be ruled out.
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