Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has urged captain Alexandre Lacazette to ensure he is ‘fully focused’ on the club and their bid for the Champions League amid uncertainty surrounding his future.
Lacazette recently revealed he is in talks with a number of clubs ahead of the expiry of his Arsenal contract in the summer.
Speaking in his press conference before Wednesday’s trip to Chelsea, Arteta said: ‘His contract situation allows him to make the decision about his future.
Alexandre Lacazette will become a free agent after the expiry of his contract in the summer
‘We have expressed clearly what our intention is, which is to speak to him in the summer when we know where we are and what we are going to do in the future together.
‘For now, we want him fully focused on his duty, which is to defend Arsenal in the best possible way – like he has done every day since he has been with us.
‘That’s why he’s been wearing the armband of this football club.’
In an interview with Canal Plus, Lacazette also outlined his desire to play in the Champions League – something Arsenal may not be able to offer next season.
The Gunners had emerged as the favourites to secure a top-four finish before three consecutive defeats dented their hopes.
Lacazette missed Arsenal’s 1-0 loss at Southampton due to Covid and is a doubt for their upcoming games against Chelsea and Manchester United, who Arsenal host on Saturday.
Arteta said they would assess the player today before making a decision about whether he will feature in the match at Stamford Bridge.
More to follow.
