Arsenal’s last-gasp win over Wolves on Thursday was crucial in maintaining their push for a top four spot in the Premier League – and it could also be important in shaping another aspect of their future.
The winning goal went down officially as a Jose Sa own goal, but the man leading the celebrations was Alexandre Lacazette.
After brilliant work by Martin Odegaard and Eddie Nketiah, it was Lacazette whose effort forced Sa to palm the ball into the net in the 95th minute at the Emirates Stadium.
The outpouring of emotion spoke of an evening of high tension, about an opponent keen on slowing the game down after Hwang Hee-chan’s opener and of a vital three points in the push for a return to the Champions League.
But for Lacazette, it seemed to mean more. Now, with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang gone, Lacazette has taken on an even greater leadership role.
The French striker has been with the Gunners since the summer of 2017 and has made 195 appearances in all competitions.
Yet, as things stand, he, Nketiah and Mohamed Elneny will be leaving Arsenal on a free transfer on July 1.
This situation is nothing new – Arsenal have been well aware of it for some time. But it does seem to be gathering in importance with each passing day, especially after an impact like the one against Wolves.
Lacazette’s future needs to be defined. It cannot be left to drift for much longer.
“We don’t know what’s going to happen at the end of the season,” Mikel Arteta admitted post-match on Thursday.
“We don’t have contracts that run for 20 years, it’s part of our job. He behaves like someone who wants to stay with us.
HAVE YOUR SAY! Should Arsenal hand Alexandre Lacazette a new contract? Comment below.
“I can only praise him and try to help him as much as possible. For me it’s Lacazette’s goal.”
When Aubameyang was still at the club, Lacazette had a clear role as second fiddle. His goal scoring record was not up to that of his friend and he was among a group of vice-captains helping Aubameyang as skipper.
Aubameyang’s acrimonious exit has left a vacuum at the Emirates Stadium. Lacazette has done his best to fill it. His team-mates are in no doubt how important he is.
“Absolutely massive,” Kieran Tierney replied after the game when asked how important Lacazette was.
“The work that he puts in, that people don’t see, people don’t recognise away from the football club, is massive.
“It helps all the young boys, it helps everyone in the team. You can trust him. He’s the captain and he’s just an amazing guy as well.”
Arsenal have plenty of “young boys” on the books at the moment and the importance of a player like Lacazette cannot be underestimated.
The core of Arteta’s side in the next few years looks very likely to be Aaron Ramsdale (23 years old), Ben White (24), Gabriel Magalhaes (24), Bukako Saka (20), Emile Smith Rowe (21) and Gabriel Martinelli (20).
Even if his goal scoring record of 70 in 195 games isn’t quite up to scratch, Lacazette is worth having around – especially when you consider the financial side of things.
Aubameyang was being paid £350,000 per week; Lacazette’s earnings are not even in the same stratosphere.
Lyon have made it clear they are interested in signing the 30-year-old, but surely Arsenal can make him an offer he can’t refuse.
With Nketiah potentially following Aubameyang out of the door this summer, Arsenal cannot afford to lose another key man up front.
"Let's hope they can do a deal with Lacazette because I’d love to see him stay at the club for another year," former Gunners midfielder Ray Parlour told talkSPORT this week.
"It's not going to be a big deal like Aubameyang or [Mesut] Ozil. He’s a grounded footballer who will probably take the same deal again.
"They still need to buy strikers, but he’s always good to have around the dressing room and it seems like the youngsters are learning from him.
"You've got to have the right balance, good youngsters and people who have been around the block. I think he’s been brilliant since he got the captain’s armband."
Arsenal should take Parlour’s advice and get Lacazette’s signature. As of today they have 124 days to get it done.
