‘He knows’: Arteta says Arsenal ace hasn’t changed at all since his return

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Mikel Arteta has lauded the character of Alexandre Lacazette as the Frenchman was named Arsenal captain this week.

Speaking to the press via Football London, the Premier League manager claimed that the 30-year-old striker hasn’t changed since Arteta returned to the club to replace Unai Emery, with Lacazette a hugely popular character at the club.

The former Olympique Lyonnais star has been key for the Gunners this season and will likely lead the line for the remainder of the campaign following the departure of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

The Gabon international was released by the club to facilitate a move to FC Barcelona, with Lacazette taking the reigns as both Arsenal’s main striker and captain since early December.

Indeed, Lacazette’s form has been questionable this season, yet Arteta is pleased with how the striker has remained the same since the Basque coach returned to the club as manager.

Arteta said when asked about his new club captain: “Laca is who he is. He doesn’t change. A person doesn’t change because of something. He knows the importance he has in the team and he knows how much he’s played, especially since I’ve been here.

“That’s him and he needs to be him. He doesn’t need to pretend to be something he’s not, the best thing is to be yourself.”

Arteta praise could hint at new deal for Arsenal captain Lacazette

With just five months remaining on his current contract, it’s easy to forget that Lacazette is set to leave Arsenal at the end of the season, with talks over a new deal growing very cold over the past few weeks.

However, this praise from Arteta could hint that something might be in the works. After all, Arsenal will be strikerless in the summer as things currently stand, and keeping Lacazette could be a good player to keep around as a squad member.