Arsenal’s Alexandre Lacazette dilemma not being helped by Willian

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As things stand, Alexandre Lacazette is seemingly heading for the Arsenal exit at the end of this season.

Lacazette is out of contract in 2022. And Football London reported earlier this month that the Gunners would be open to offers for the Frenchman in the summer.

That report noted that Arsenal are unlikely to offer the 29-year-old a new deal. So a move could take place at the end of this campaign.

The timing of the expiration of Lacazette’s contract leaves Arsenal with a dilemma. He is still making a contribution to Arteta’s side, and there is no reason why he cannot prove as important next season.

On the other hand, he will be 31 when his current deal expires.

So offering him any sort of extension could leave the Gunners paying him a considerable sum well into the twilight of his career. According to The Sun, he is currently on £150,000-a-week.

It will not be an easy decision for Arsenal. And it will not become clear whether they made the right decision until long after the window has closed.

It appears that he is currently on course to move on. But perhaps, his teammate may be about to make Arsenal’s decision all the more difficult.

Previously, it would have been no surprise if Willian’s form since signing was one of the reasons for Arsenal’s reluctance to hand Lacazette a new contract.

The Brazilian endured a miserable time following an inspired debut. And the Arsenal hierarchy may have been wary of tying down another player well into their 30s given how badly the Willian deal had looked.

Willian finally finding his feet

However, Willian has started to turn his fortunes around in recent weeks. No player in the Arsenal squad now has more Premier League assists than the attacking midfielder this season.

Willian has a lot more to do before he silences his doubters. But the signs are certainly more positive.

And if his form continues until the summer, Arsenal have surely got to consider whether Lacazette has a lot more to give.

Of course, Lacazette will be tied down well into his 30s. But unlike Willian, he would not require the period of adaption that has proved so problematic for the former Chelsea man.

It appears that Arsenal’s decision on Lacazette will be unpopular with some whatever they choose to do.

But with a 32-year-old within their squad finding his form, surely they cannot shut the door on their joint top goalscorer staying for longer.