Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has admitted “anything is possible” regarding a new contract for Alexandre Lacazette.
Alexandre Lacazette, 30, is in the final year of his contract at Arsenal and there are apparently no talks over an extension going on at the moment, meaning the striker will be free to speak to foreign clubs from January 1 to negotiate a move on a free transfer in the summer of 2022.
However, Mikel Arteta recently hinted that the Frenchman could yet be offered fresh terms by the club, praising the centre-forward’s commitment and desire for the Gunners and his “contagious” influence on the team.
Should Arsenal hand Alexandre Lacazette a contract extension?
Lacazette has been on the periphery of the first team at Arsenal this season, racking up only 49 minutes in two substitute Premier League appearances combined before the home game against Crystal Palace last Monday. He helped the Gunners rescue a point against Palace, impressing in the 23-minute cameo after coming off the bench.
After the Eagles made it 2-1 on the 73rd minute and looked destined to take all three points home to south London, the French striker levelled at the last gasp to save the Mikel Arteta-managed side’s blushes. After his impactful performance against Palace, the 30-year-old was rewarded with a place in the starting XI against Aston Villa on Friday—his first Premier League start of the season.
Playing in the hole just off Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Lacazette pressed, probed and forced errors from the Aston Villa defenders, whilst linking ably with Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe. With Arsenal leading 1-0, he won the penalty after being tackled by Matt Targett at the stroke of half-time from which Aubameyang doubled their money on the rebound from Emi Martinez’s save.
The idea to start Alexandre Lacazette against Aston Villa paid off handsomely for Arteta, as Arsenal put in arguably their best attacking display of the season. Even if the 30-year-old is well and truly behind Aubameyang in the striker pecking order, he is a reliable option to have on the bench, as further documented against Crystal Palace.
There aren’t many proven Premier League strikers available right now, and given the fact that the French international already knows Arteta’s system and style of play, Arsenal will lose a valuable member of the squad when the striker leaves at the end of the season.
Last but not least, though Lacazette is not the first choice striker at the club, he’s the best option to cover and compete with Aubameyang, with Eddie Nketiah and Folarin Balogun not doing enough when given chances.
Alexandre Lacazette has shown the fire in his belly in the last two games to try and earn a contract extension from the club. Also, at 30, he is at the peak of his powers, meaning he still has at least 2-3 years of quality football left in him.
All in all, Arsenal must keep monitoring Lacazette’s performances whilst continuing to prepare an offer for the experienced striker.