Why Arsenal should keep hold of Alexandre Lacazette amidst interest
According to a report from the Daily Star, Arsenal striker Alexandre Lacazette is currently weighing up his options after it was claimed that Barcelona were interested in his services.
The Frenchman is aware of Barcelona’s interest, and it is believed that he could leave Arsenal should they fail to secure Champions League qualification next season.
Alexandre Lacazette, 28, joined Arsenal from Lyon in the summer of 2017 and has hit a total of 38 goals in 91 appearances across all competitions while forging a fearsome partnership with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang upfront.
He has made a bright start to the new Premier League season, scoring two goals in three games, including a strike in the 2-2 draw with Tottenham in the north London derby.
The France international has just under three years left to run on his existing deal with the Gunners.
The north London giants want to tie him down to a new deal but the forward is not yet ready to sign a new contract, amid continued links to Barcelona, who might be tempted to reignite their interest next summer to replace the ageing Luis Suarez.
Lacazette has established himself as one of the most dangerous strikers in the Premier League. He is one of the most crucial members of Unai Emery’s squad and Arsenal simply cannot afford to lose him out to Barcelona next summer. But the Gunners apparently have to qualify for the Champions League to secure the Frenchman’s long-term future.
Given the 28-year-old’s importance to Arsenal, it’ll be something of a challenge for Emery and co. to compete for major honours and break back into the top four in the Premier League.
Emery sufficiently strengthened his squad over the summer, bringing in the likes of David Luiz, Dani Ceballos, Nicolas Pepe, Gabriel Martinelli and Kieran Tierney. And they have enjoyed a decent start to the new season, currently occupying the fifth place in the table.
One cannot criticise Lacazette for wanting to play in the Champions League as he has entered the prime stages of his career and wants to win trophies. Arsenal, meanwhile, are forced to play in the Europa League after finishing fifth in the Premier League last term.
The Gunners have shown ambition in the transfer window and it’s now upon Emery to bring the best out of his players and achieve Champions League qualification.
Lacazette is an absolute workhorse of a striker, blessed with good strength, ability to hold the ball up and win it in the air, and the skill to play with his back to goal.
The Frenchman gives a different flavour to the Arsenal attack than Aubameyang, whilst proving useful at creating goals as well.
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The ex-Lyon man is at the prime of his career and Emery needs to do everything possible to keep hold of his star man.
Verdict
Emery and co. have to oversee significant progress this season in order to make sure Lacazette signs a new contract and fulfils his ambitions in north London.