Martin Keown responds when asked if Arsenal need to keep Alexandre Lacazette

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Martin Keown has told BT Sport that he believes Arsenal need to keep Alexandre Lacazette this summer rather than cashing in on the Frenchman – after he scored a second successive brace in his last two matches against Slavia Prague.

Lacazette, 29, is in a strong run of form having netted four in his last four Premier League games, and he was handed the captain’s armband as Arsenal were tasked with beating Slavia Prague. The first leg saw Slavia drew 1-1 at The Emirates.

But Lacazette took the game by the scruff of the neck, scoring two goals while Nicolas Pepe and Bukayo Saka also netted – during a performance that Mikel Arteta claimed was probably the best of the season. But Lacazette’s long-term future is in doubt.

The Telegraph reported that while Arsenal have identified Celtic striker Odsonne Edouard as a potential replacement for Lacazette, who is out of contract in 2022 and could be sold between £15million and £20million. Keown wants him to stay.

“No, I don’t think you can,” Keown said, when asked if Arsenal can let Lacazette go. “He is really, really important. You want Lacazette in and around there, the best example is that he is showing the youngsters how to do it – controls the ball, rolls his foot over it and finishes well. What better example is there to the youngsters?”

TBR’s view – Lacazette deserves new deal, but Arsenal must be wary

Recent examples have shown Arsenal that handing Lacazette a new, long-term deal until he is well into his thirties can back fire. Mesut Ozil was given a massive contract but as he entered his thirties, he struggled to keep up with Arteta’s demands.

Willian was bought from Chelsea in the summer and given a contract until 2023, but the Brazilian has endured a difficult first season in North London. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is on huge wages, but this season has struggled to replicate that form.

That is, after signing a new deal. Lacazette deserves a new deal, but the former Lyon man should maybe just be handed another year – rather than a contract that sees him remain at the club until he is 34.