Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has claimed that he’s still trying to figure out how to get the best out of his forward Alexandre Lacazette.
The 30-year-old has struggled to find regular first-team action so far this season, managing only one start in the EFL Cup and three substitute appearances in the Premier League.
Despite leading the game through an early goal from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, the north London club only managed to come away with a point against Crystal Palace thanks to a late equaliser from substitute Lacazette.
The Frenchman came on midway through the second half for Martin Odegaard and was very influential from the get-go, showing energy and desire to regain the first-team place at the Emirates Stadium.
After the game, the Gunners boss was asked about the 30-year-old’s future as his contract with the club will expire at the end of this season, but the Spanish boss remained tight-lipped about the final decision.
Arteta confessed that he is still looking to bring the best out of the France international and was impressed by the forward’s display against Patrick Vieira’s side. According to Arsenal’s official website, he said:
“Well, we have him! He’s our player, and he shows real commitment so I’m not thinking about anything. I’m thinking about how to get the best out of him, and tonight he showed a real big moment and how much he cares about the team.”
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Lacazette arrived from Lyon with the reputation of being a prolific goalscorer, but the Frenchman has failed to replicate similar performances in the Premier League.
With the French international entering the 30s, it will be interesting to see what the club hierarchy will decide about the forward’s future. Losing him for free will certainly be a big blow for the north London club financially, but it might be best for both parties to part ways at the end of this season.
Arteta has decided to go with youngsters who will develop and blossom at the Emirates Stadium, so it will make no sense to offer a long-term contract to the French international who hasn’t had a great time at the Emirates club.
After enduring a disappointing start to the new campaign, Arsenal have managed to overcome the early bump and are currently unbeaten in the last six games in all competitions. The north London club will be looking to keep their unbeaten run going when they meet Aston Villa in their next game on 22nd October.
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