Arsenal striker Alexandre Lacazette has ruled out rumor linking him with a move away from the Emirates Stadium this summer. The French striker has come under lots of criticism due to his poor form in front of goal this season.
He has since lost his place in the team due to a lack of goals and has been replaced by young academy graduate Eddie Nketiah. Rumors were flying around claiming that the striker has an agreement with the club to leave in the summer should Arsenal fail to qualify for the Champions League next season.
In a press conference ahead of Arsenal’s second leg Europa League tie with Olympiacos, Lacazette played down the rumors.
Asked directly about the rumored agreement he could leave, Lacazette said at Thursday’s Europa League press conference: ‘I didn’t know about this, so…’ Probed on whether he knew where the speculation had come from, he continued: ‘No, I don’t know. I have a contract with the club, so there is no point for me to leave if everybody is happy with me at the club.’
Lacazette enjoys a very special bond with Arsenal captain and striker partner Pierre Emerick Aubameyang. The Gabon international has scored 17 Premier League goals for Arsenal but will enter the final year of his contract next season.
Lacazette pledged him to sign a new contract and extend his stay at the club.
“He is working a lot for the team defensively and making space for the other striker – Eddie or me – and I think if we start to win more trophies, people will talk more about what he is doing for the team. He’s one of the best or maybe he’s been the best player this season for Arsenal. Obviously I hope he’s going to stay,” he said on Aubameyang.
Arsenal takes a 1-0 lead into the match and will be hoping to continue with their winning run when they host the Greeks on Thursday.