Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta admits he would like to keep hold of striker Alexandre Lacazette beyond this summer, despite a controversial recent interview.
The 30-year-old, who is the Gunners’ current club captain, recently gave an interview in France where he said he had been in conversations with multiple clubs ahead of next season, including former side Lyon, with his contract at the Emirates Stadium currently due to expire in the summer.
Despite the claims from the French striker, his Spanish Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has outlined his intentions to hold talks with the soon-to-be free agent at the end of the season.
Arteta has stated his desire to keep Lacazette, despite his recent interview suggesting that an imminent exit is on the cards.
"His contract situation allows him to make a decision about his future,” said Arteta. “We have expressed our intention is to speak in the summer. For the rest, I just want him fully focussed on his duty which is to defend Arsenal in the best possible way."
In the interview, Lacazette revealed that he has kept in contact with former club Lyon and goes back to see the medical staff at the club when possible.
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The quotes highlighted his desire to be playing Champions League football again, with Arsenal not qualifying for any of Europe’s three club competitions this season, although they are in the race for fourth place this season.
"I am in discussions with a lot of clubs," Lacazette told Canal Plus. "I have never cut contact with Lyon since I left," the 29-year-old confirmed, adding "I try to return to the club once or twice a year to see the medical staff because we are really close. Lyon know that I am free, they have to come with a proposal.
"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."
Since joining Arsenal five years ago, Lacazette has played 27 matches in European club competitions. However, they have all come in the Europa League, scoring 13 goals in the competition for the Gunners.
Lacazette did play for Lyon in the tournament during five different seasons between 2010 and 2017, but scored just five times in 22 Champions League matches.
