MY ACCOUNT
In a team full of exciting youngsters, Arsenal captain Alexandre Lacazette is thriving in the role of the elder statesman.
Despite a lack of goals, the 30-year-old striker has become a key cog in the Gunners side that moved into the top four on Sunday afternoon with victory at Watford.
But Lacazette is still widely expected to leave North London when his contract expires this summer.
Ahead of Sunday’s clash with Leicester, we assess whether that may change if the Frenchman keeps up his recent form.
Applause from Arteta
If forwards were only judged by goals, Lacazette would not be receiving the praise he has been recently from his boss, with only three league strikes to his name.
But after an impressive performance in the 3-2 win over Watford, Mikel Arteta hailed the displays of his No9.
The Gunners coach said: “I think he’s had really good moments in terms of goalscoring records, probably better than what he’s doing right now.
“But for what we ask of him and for what I ask of him and the contribution that I need from him, I think he’s doing really, really well.”
And given the well-publicised issues the ageing Mesut Ozil and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang had at the end of their Arsenal careers, his comments late last month carried just as much weight.
Arteta said: “He behaves like someone who wants to stay with us. I can only praise him and try to help him as much as possible.”
Leader of men
Set to turn 31 in May, Lacazette is now remarkably the oldest player in Arsenal’s squad, thanks to Aubameyang’s departure to Barcelona.
The likes of Emile Smith Rowe, 21, and 20-year-old duo Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli will need guidance on and off the pitch.
It is clear in interviews that Arsenal’s squad have a great deal of respect for the Frenchman and he is enjoying the role of the experienced veteran.
Lacazette recently said: “On the pitch, I try to lead and to show the way we have to press, the intensity because the coach is asking us [for this].
“But in the dressing room, I am maybe more vocal and I want to bring the good vibes and the energy because some days we forget we are playing an amazing sport, we have an amazing job for a big club and obviously it’s natural.
“It’s human to forget sometimes so I just want to bring some smiles and maybe some good luck.”
Man in form
Lacazette is clearly enjoying his football and that is showing with his displays on the pitch.
In the vital 2-1 win over Wolves, it was Lacazette’s shot that was deflected in by keeper Jose Sa in stoppage time while he set up two of the three goals against Watford.
That took him to seven Premier League assists for the season, placing him joint-sixth in the league.
It is a marker of his different role in the side, dropping deeper and creating space for others.
Saka clearly valued his team-mate’s contribution to his goal at Vicarage Road, saying: “As soon as I won it, I found Laca and he knows my movement and where I am.
“It’s so fun to play with him. He put that ball in the perfect spot for me.”
Stung before
If the situation allows, Arsenal would probably like to hand Lacazette a new one-year deal.
But the Frenchman will want a longer contract than that and will likely get it either in Ligue 1 or in LaLiga.
As former Arsenal striker Alan Smith notes, Emirates chiefs have been stung badly before by handing out long contracts to players not getting any younger.
The Sky Sports pundit said: “The question is what length contract do you give Lacazette?
“Arsenal don’t want to be stuck with someone that is overpaid and underperforming. They’ve been there before.
“It looks like he is a good character in the dressing room. But it all depends on who they have lined up to come in.
“In an ideal world you might give him a one-year contract to oversee the transformation of that attack.”
Time to go
That is why it feels like no matter how well Lacazette plays between now and May, his departure is virtually rubber-stamped.
Arteta has said discussions will only take place once the season is done and dusted, yet ex-Gunner Kevin Campbell believes an exit is inevitable.
Campbell said: “At the end of the day, if Arsenal are going to keep him they would have to give him a long-term contract. 12 months would not be enough. Two years is probably not enough. He likely wants three years.
“If that is the case, Arsenal know what to do. I think the club will refurbish the front line. They need to get younger players in as far as I’m concerned.”
Unlike some of his former team-mates, Lacazette will leave with the best wishes of Arsenal fans whether the Gunners finish in the top four or not.
But if he continues playing like he has been and linking up with the young stars, Champions League football will be the perfect departing present.
