One player whose future at the Emirates remains a major doubt is Alexandre Lacazette.
The Frenchman is an important player for the Gunners, but he has faced competition for his position this year.
Since the return of Eddie Nketiah from his ill-fated loan spell at Leeds United, the young Englishman has been sharing the striker role with Lacazette.
Nketiah has been Mikel Arteta’s preferred choice in some games this year and the young Englishman has returned the faith shown in him with some fine performances.
Because of his long spells on the bench, there has been speculation about his future, with some reports tipping the Gunners to sell him and raise money for other positions.
However, he seems to remain an important part of Mikel Arteta’s rebuilding project, with the Spaniard declaring his love for the former Lyon man in a recent interview.
Ahead of Arsenal’s game against Manchester City, Arteta took time out to talk about liking the Frenchman.
When asked if he was prepared to lose Lacazette in the transfer window, Arteta said, as quoted by Reuters: “Why would I want to lose a player like him? I’m really happy with him. I said that even before I joined here that he is the type of striker that I really like.
“The way he can link play, he’s a massive competitor he hates to lose. He goes for every ball, you see in every challenge how he’s ready to go. He works really hard and he’s a very intelligent player.”
I have always loved lacas link up play….
Him and ozil are the only ones who are superb at linking play….
Mikel and Laca look nothing alike!
I see what you did there Sean 🤣
one good game and think of an extension.What about that one year plus without an away goal? Will rhis player take us to title contenders with inconsistent performances? Will this lead to an Ozil type saga?Few weeks back Eddie was the preferred choice. This is the difference with a novice or apprentice coach and thorough bred winning mentality coach.
Arteta knows exactly what he is doing with the team. His main plan is not to use Nketial but to bring him as a competition with Lacazette. I know Laca has talent and you know it too. All our players has lack motivation for sometimes and that is what Arteta is bringing back to the team.
And many Arsenal player has improved including Mustafi, Ceballos and Xhaka.
Laca is getting his game right and I don’t think we have that money to buy top striker at the moment.
Loose Cannon, please don’t compare Lacazette’s application with Ozil’s. Lacazette has performed well since regaining a place in the team. Did Ozil ever get a goal and an assist against any top 6 rival?
Ozzie, as a matter of fact, Ozil did do so. Two games come to mind: against Man U and Chelsea (in both cases, got one and set up Sanchez for the other). I am sure he’s done so against one other, but let’s just leave it there. Now, that’s not saying Laca doesn’t deserve his place/contract much more than Ozil, but just stating the fact.
Which are you Loose Cannon?The naive novice or the intelligent ,successful Manager.
My sentiments entirely grandad
Grandad, I’d say that LOOSE CANNON is ideally named, when you read his many bewildering posts.
JF, the performances of these players keep bewildering true fans who wish the club success. Unfortunately the players are not bewildered at the salaries they earn. And I am not bewildered with our league position nor with the coach who himself seems bewildered with everyone around him.
Join me in wishing the team good luck today evening.
Why is Mustafi in the team for such an important game? I have no confidence in his defensive skills. I just hope he proves me wrong today. Keeping Luiz in the team was bad enough. Will I be saying ‘ told you so’ or ‘ they proved me wrong’ later tonight?!
I hope we see this Lacazette more often under Arteta, because he was a proper competitor v Liv and running up to that game, goals and or assists make all the difference. We need to see Laca rivaling those 20 pl goals a season players, he looks to have the tools for the job and his desire is rarely ever in doubt. I’d ask him to get a bit greedy, the Auba and Laca double act is a great budding friendship, but don’t be afraid to get competitive with your own teammate Laca.