Lacazette signing new contract less likely thanks to Arsenal star – TBR View

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Arsenal go into yet another transfer window wondering whether they may be able to shift their highest-earner amid doubts over their future under Mikel Arteta.

One year ago, it was Mesut Ozil who the Gunners were trying to shift. The playmaker did not make a single Premier League appearance last season before he ended up joining Fenerbahce.

This time around, it is Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang who is being linked with a move away. He has played no part in Arsenal’s last three games. And he is attracting interest from the likes of Juventus and Barcelona.

It comes after a disciplinary breach that prompted Arsenal to strip Aubameyang of the captaincy this month.

It remains to be seen if Aubameyang does return for Arsenal. But with the Gunners winning their last three without him with an aggregate score of 9-1, it would perhaps not be a shock if Arsenal welcomed offers.

The mood surrounding Aubameyang has changed dramatically from September 2020 when the Gunners announced that the striker had signed a new contract.

Of course, it seemed a gamble. The Times reported at the time that his wages were approaching £350,000-a-week despite being in his thirties.

But it cannot be denied that most felt that it was a huge statement from Arsenal. Aubameyang had scored 44 Premier League goals across the previous two seasons.

Unfortunately, things have turned sour since then. And with that, perhaps Aubameyang has ensured that it is even less likely that Alexandre Lacazette signs a new contract at the Emirates.

Could Aubameyang cost Lacazette the Arsenal contract he would potentially want?

As things stand, Lacazette will be a free agent in the summer. It has previously been suggested that he is planning to leave the club.

However, since those reports emerged, the 30-year-old has stepped up in a big way. Not only has he established himself as Arsenal’s first-choice striker, but he has also been wearing the armband of late.

He was lauded by fans after his showing against Leeds this month. Even without scoring, he was outstanding. And he appears to be setting a brilliant example for the young players around him.

Ideally, Arsenal would be able to agree a one-year extension with Lacazette as he does have more to give. But the Frenchman would surely have reservations about such a deal. And he would surely prefer a longer contract if he is to stay.

It is important to remember that Lacazette is a player who has divided opinion. His record for the Gunners is good, without being outstanding. And like Aubameyang, he would be signing a new deal at a time when he is probably past his absolute peak.

So Arsenal may be particularly wary of letting this recent run of form cloud their judgement, especially now the deal for Aubameyang is seemingly coming back to haunt the club.