Arsenal tipped to agree Lacazette deal amid ‘behind-the-scenes’ verdict – pundit
Alexandre Lacazette could soon sign a new contract at Arsenal, according to Noel Whelan.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted the 30-year-old is “working hard” in an attempt to secure his long-term future with the Gunners.
Lacazette has just six months remaining on his Arsenal deal, with the Frenchman free to pen a pre-contract agreement with foreign sides from Saturday (1 January).
The former Lyon hitman has registered five goal involvements in as many games since coming into the side to replace Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang earlier this month.
Whelan urged Arsenal to explore the possibility of keeping the “seriously good” Lacazette at the club.
“I’m sure these conversations will be happening behind the scenes and it could be done soon,” he told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury.
“The crucial thing for Lacazette is that he’s shown the right attitude. If you’re going to coach a team, the most important thing is their attitude, desire, and commitment.
“He’s not a bystander. It doesn’t matter to him that his contract is up at the end of the season, he’s really working hard for the team and manager – and that’s pleasing for everyone.
“He isn’t worried about picking up an injury and scuppering a move elsewhere, he looks like he’s playing for a contract at Arsenal.
“They’ve got to explore these avenues and see if they can keep him at the club. They’ll need another striker, but Lacazette is a seriously good option. It could be the positive to come out of the Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang situation.”
Lacazette joined Arsenal in 2017 for a reported initial fee of £46.5million.
The 16-cap France international has 187 appearances for the club, netting 70 goals.
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