Alexandre, I can appreciate that with the time on your contract nearing its end, it is understandable that the next chapter in your career is on your mind. Why would it not be?
This will be an important moment as you assess what the next step will be, and will certainly be aware of its importance to how your career is left. However, I cannot be anything other than frustrated as an Arsenal fan when with seven games left until the end of the season, zero goals from open play in eighteen matches, and the side you currently captain is collapsing with you at its spearhead, that these words have become public now.
In an interview with Canal Plus, you said: “I am in discussions with a lot of clubs. I am open."
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“I want to play in Europe, it’s been a long time since I played in the Champions League, I’m missing it. It’s a little more complicated, nothing is impossible in life, but it’s a little more complicated," you added.
Let me be open. As Arsenal fans, we know the feeling of missing the Champions League. The benefit it can bring, the doors it can open and the possible glory that can be earned at its conclusion. Even just hearing that theme play on a Tuesday night in north London itself.
Signed for a club record fee, Arsenal invested in you for your quality, your goals and your character. Players have lauded you for your connectivity, guidance and leadership. You have set an example to the youth players coming through and the new arrivals since your own in 2017.
However, there is no example to be set in publicly discussing your future with your club in great need of everything you speak of wanting. At a time when you have never been needed more by Arsenal than now, you talk of your future beyond us. You were asked the question granted, however, knowing your future is being discussed behind the scenes, perhaps shifting the focus back to the job you still have to complete with your club should have taken priority.
We may be unaware of what conversations have gone on behind closed doors. Perhaps your future with Arsenal is already decided, but we just ask in return that you go out in a way you want to be remembered if this is indeed the case.
‘He’s our Frenchman our number nine. Plays for Arsenal in the red and white. Scoring goals is what he does best, and he goes by the name of Lacazette.’
We sang and still sing your name because we believe that you could and can continue to be the spearhead of this team to lead us to where we want to be. The goals scored against Tottenham, Napoli, Valencia, Liverpool, Chelsea, Atletico Madrid and all the way back to your first against Leicester City remind us of what can be achieved with you in the side.
“I want to give one hundred per cent in every match. I want to show I’m worthy of the shirt. I want to do everything I can to make sure we win titles.” These were your words when you arrived.
Seven games are left. The biggest of your time at Arsenal. Lead us forwards and be the reason for the return of Arsenal football club to the European elite. Do everything you can, it is all we can ask.
