Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has given the biggest indication yet that striker Alexandre Lacazette will be staying at the club.
There has been widespread speculation about the Frenchman’s future, with some reports suggesting he could be used in a swap deal to bring Atletico Madrid’s Thomas Partey to the Emirates. However, speaking at his pre-match press conference yesterday, Arteta said he was happy to keep the player:
“He is really happy here, he wants to keep improving and contributing to the team. I know how good he is, the impact he is having. He knows about the competition he has with the front players, and again he needs to demand of himself to be the best striker at this football club, the same as the rest. He was very happy to hear that and the way he has been training and conducting himself has been excellent.”
Some supporters on Twitter are not entirely convinced by Arteta’s comments while others are now hopeful that Lacazette will be staying put:
So please stop talking about selling Lacazette to raise fund. The coach has spoken n he's right.
— Mino Skylove (@BuchiEphraim) September 11, 2020
He also said he has to prove himself and has to fight for his place with Nketiah ???
— Affenkäfig (@Affenkafig1) September 11, 2020
The straight face has the answers.. Man will be sacrificed if given the opportunity
— Gooner Bells (@Aladin45922836) September 11, 2020
Then he should also receive a decent number of starts so he can play and enjoy himself in the process.
— Sylvester Alelele (@salelele) September 11, 2020
Laca STAYS. We move On. No more rumours and side talks
— Lawal Bolaji Shardow (@ShardCanon) September 11, 2020
The price has gone up.
— СհαδwιϲΚ Βö$$ʍαƞ (@m14edits) September 11, 2020
LETS GOOOOO pic.twitter.com/A4jPbYIYwz
— Oli (@AestheticAuba) September 11, 2020
Laca stay ?
— Marcin Sobczyk (@MarcinSobczyk93) September 11, 2020
— matt (@HaIeEndEra) September 11, 2020
Lacazette does rather split opinion among fans, with some believing that the 29-year-old should be scoring more goals, considering the £52million the club shelled out on the player three years ago.
He also seems to have a fight on his hands to lead the line, with Arteta having favoured Eddie Nketiah at times in the second half of the season and for the Community Shield this campaign.