Arteta is to make a big transfer decision many Arsenal fans will welcome

Arsenal have a lot of rebuilding to do at the end of the season.

The Gunners seemed on the right track for much of the campaign, but things have taken a turn for the worse.

Arsenal have lost their last three Premier League games, all against mid-table opponents.

A lack of squad strength in depth and a lack of options up front could end up costing the Gunners dear.

In addition, Arsenal’s only two senior centre-forwards are also out of contract at the end of the season.

Eddie Nketiah is widely expected to leave in search of first-team football.

Now, it looks as though Alexandre Lacazette could also end up leaving the Emirates.

According to football.london, Arsenal are unlikely to offer him a new deal as they seek to get his wages off their books.

This would be in contrast to Arteta’s public stance over Lacazette’s contract, where he has always left the door open.

Indeed, it could well suggest a U-turn from what the Arsenal boss said just last month.

Arteta hinted towards a new deal, telling The Mirror: “I think with Alex it’s very clear what he brings to the team.

“He’s shown it consistently since I’ve been here.

“And what we have to resolve is the contractual timing, in the best possible way, and when we all align on the same page.”

“I want to play in Europe”

Lacazette himself has admitted that he has been talking to other clubs, with a return to Lyon among his options.

He also admited he misses playing in the Champions League.

“I’m in discussions with a lot of clubs,” football.london quotes the 30-year-old as saying.

“I am open, I have never cut contact with Lyon since I left.

“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.”

While Lacazette hasn’t explicitly said he’s leaving, it does seem like a come-get-me plea towards Lyon.

But besides that, he’s on £182,000-a-week (Salarysport), has been struggling lately, and turns 31 next month.

Arsenal need to keep looking towards the future, and letting Lacazette go is the logical choice.