ARSENAL forward Alexandre Lacazette has denied having an exit clause in his contract which would allow him to quit if they failed to qualify for the Champions League.
Earlier this week it was claimed the French forward, 28, could walk out on the Gunners if they don’t break into the top four.
Lacazette has struggled this season scoring only ninth league goals as Arsenal sit in ninth place.Credit: Getty Images – Getty
Lacazette – who has been something of a bit-part player this term with partner Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang shining – revealed he sees “no point” in leaving.
When asked about the clause, the Frenchman said: “I didn’t know about this.
“I have a contract with the club, so there is no point for me to leave if everyone is happy with me at the club.”
Lacazette signed from French side Lyon in a £52million deal in 2017 as the Gunners looked to rebuild after missing out on Champions League football the previous season.
But the striker revealed he doesn’t feel fazed by his monster transfer fee, saying: “I am a striker but I am not only here to score goals.
“I’m also here to defend and help build the game. For me it is not the best when I am not scoring.
“There is a pressure but it’s not just about me. I want to help the team and score but it is not the pressure from my transfer [fee].”
Lacazette went on to say he doesn’t care what anyone except his manager thinks of his performances.
The forward continued: “A lot of people can talk. There is always something to say but I don’t think about this.
“If my manager, my coach and my team-mates are happy with me then this is the most important thing.”
The Frenchman won the Coupe de France and Trophee des Champions during his time in Lyon.
But he’s managed only a single Community Shield title since his move to North London, with the Gunners falling short in last season’s Europa League final – losing 4-1 to Chelsea.
Lacazette both scored and assisted in Arsenal’s 4-0 victory over Newcastle despite only playing 12 minutes, pleasing Arsenal fans.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta, left the Frenchman on the bench during Sunday’s 3-2 victory over Everton at the Emirates.
With Arsenal set to play Olympiacos tonight in the Europa League, the Gunners boss may opt to use the French forward – who scored in the reverse fixture at the Karaiskakis Stadium.
Mikel Arteta says Arsenal must prove to Aubameyang he should stay
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
