ARSENAL will wait until the summer before opening contract talks with Alexandre Lacazette.
The French forward has just 18 months left on his contract, but the Gunners are prepared to bide their time.
Alexandre Lacazette’s Arsenal deal expires in 18 monthsCredit: Reuters
Gunners boss Mikel Arteta is aware of Lacazette’s expiring deal but his focus is on turning Arsenal’s season around.
Arteta said: “We will talk in the summer and make a decision then.
“We have not talked about anything related to his contract.
“I am delighted with the way he has performed because he is scoring, has the form and energy at the moment, so he needs to keep doing that.”
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Lacazette, 29, has the best minutes per goal record in the Premier League this season.
He started the season on fire with goals in Arsenal’s first three league games before a barren run.
But he’s been key in the recent revival and three wins in a row over the festive period – scoring four times.
His seven league strikes have come on average every 123 minutes – four minutes faster than Everton’s Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
The Frenchman has scored four goals in three games over the festive periodCredit: Reuters
Mikel Arteta said that Alexandre Lacazette’s contract will be discussed in the summerCredit: PA:Press Association
Tammy Abraham has scored every 129 minutes while Harry Kane has needed every 143 minutes.
The Gunners won three games in a week over Christmas to move away from relegation danger in the Premier League.
Arteta’s men beat Chelsea 3-1 on Boxing Day before a 1-0 win at Brighton and 4-0 victory at West Brom.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk