‘I cannot go into that’: Mikel Arteta discusses contract situations of Arsenal duo

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Mikel Arteta has said – as per Football London – that he is really happy with out-of-contract Arsenal duo Alexandre Lacazette and Mohamed Elneny.

Both Lacazette and Elneny are out of contract at the end of the season. From January 1, non-English clubs can approach the Gunners stars.

A pre-contract arrangement could be arranged. Lacazette has been linked with moves to Italy and Spain, while Elneny could return to Turkey.

A decision will have to be made in the near future by Arteta and the Arsenal board. Do they hand Elneny and Lacazette a new contract?

Do they try to sell them for a cut-price fee in January – or just let them leave for nothing next summer? Arteta responded, when asked about both.

On Lacazette, Arteta said: “There is so much stuff. I’m really happy with Laca. We’re not going to be talking about that until the end of the season.

On Elneny: “Again I cannot go into that. I’m really happy with Mo. I will not be discussing the individual fates of the players as it’s not the time to do so.”

Arteta on Elneny and Lacazette: Arsenal duo should go in January

Right now, Elneny is on the fringes at Arsenal. Thomas Partey and Granit Xhaka and first choice, and Albert Sambi Lokonga is first reserve.

Ainsley Maitland-Niles started recently – meaning Egypt international Elneny is fifth choice. There is no point handing him a new contract.

There is also no point keeping Elneny beyond January. Getting him off the wage bill and some cash for his signature in January makes sense.

Even if it is tiny. That is different for Lacazette, who is still in and around the starting XI – he is scoring goals, and remains a part of the side.

Trying to engineer another 12 months of Lacazette would be good – but Arsenal might be best keeping him for the season.