Transfer News: Arsenal Striker Says He Is Open to Lyon Return

Alexandre Lacazette, who has become Arsenal’s acting captain has his future to decide when his contract expires at the end of the season; a new deal with the Gunners has been making its rounds while the player admits European football will be a key factor in his next decision.

Arsenal, having already lost one of their ace strikers in Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang during the January transfer window is set to lose their other veteran forward at the end of this season when his contract runs out.

Last month reports made their rounds that Alexandre Lacazette and the club could sit down and discuss a contract extension — something Mikel Arteta made clear wasn’t on the agenda of priorities at the time — but since putting in a shift on the pitch, it is something that must be discussed.

"Alexandre Lacazette’s contract situation with Arsenal is still up in the air and it appears it will still be that way until the end of the season; manager Mikel Arteta is hopeful of an extension thanks to a lift in the striker’s performances.The Arsenal manager spoke highly of Lacazette over recent weeks and stated his acting captain has displayed an attitude of a player who wants to stay in North London and stay a Gunner.However, the manager knows well and truly, this is not the right time for outside distractions such as contract talks or signs of potential new buys coming in to take one of the current squad member’s places. (Via: The Top Flight)"

Move on a month from his words, a three-game losing streak over their last three Premier League outings and Lacazette is ready to consider all viable options available to him being on the other side of 30.

"Alexandre Lacazette tells @canalplus: “I’m in discussion with a lot of clubs, I’m open. I want to play European football”, @gffnreports.“I never cut contact with Lyon since I left. I try to go back to the club once or twice a year. Lyon know that I’m free. We’ll see”. (Via: @FabrizioRomano)"

Arsenal Are in Need of a 20 Plus or 30 Plus Goalscorer

With Arsenal going for a younger more athletic side and Alexandre Lacazette not really hitting the numbers required to launch a serious challenge for top honours, you’d have to question why they’d give him a new deal.

He is 30 years old, has only scored four and assisted seven in the 25 games played. His best season tally in goals and assists was 2018/19 with 13 goals and eight assists.

Let us face the facts: his best days were in Olympique Lyonnais colours. His final three seasons in Ligue 1 saw him hit 20 plus goals and assists, something that enticed the Gunners when enquiring about his services.

The time of the Frenchman at the Emirates has run its course and perhaps it’s time for something different, not necessarily new. However, something new and different is demanded up front for Arsenal and in the summer ahead they should be shopping for a new striker.