Merson shares decision Arsenal must make on future of Lacazette

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Paul Merson has told Sky Sports that Arsenal must resist the temptation to hand Alexandre Lacazette a new contract, no matter how well he performs in the final months of the season.

Lacazette, of course, is set to have a huge role to play before the summer. He is one of only two natural strikers left within Mikel Arteta’s squad. Obviously, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang left the club for Barcelona.

But neither Lacazette or Eddie Nketiah have a contract for next season. So there are major question marks hanging over their futures, too.

Lacazette has been ‘outstanding‘ at times this season. He has led the side superbly since Aubameyang was stripped of the captaincy. And he has looked excellent around the younger players in the squad.

Reports claim that the stalemate in talks over a new deal surrounds the length of contract Lacazette wants.

There will certainly be some Arsenal fans who want the Frenchman to stay. And there will definitely be times when Lacazette shines in the months to come.

But Merson has insisted that Arsenal must let Lacazette leave the club in the summer, no matter what happens.

“Now, if Alexandre Lacazette goes and gets 10 goals before the end of the season, they can’t get lazy and just give him a new deal worth £250,000-a-week, thinking it might be his season next season,” he told Sky Sports.

“However, for me, Lacazette has had his time at Arsenal. Whatever he does between now and the end of the season, he’s had his chance at the Emirates Stadium.”

Arsenal and Lacazette can now put contract talks on back-burner

Clearly, Arsenal having almost an entirely new group of forwards next season is not ideal. There appears to be a dearth of world-class strikers about right now.

The uncertainty may not seem helpful. However, Arsenal and Lacazette could both really benefit from leaving contract talks on the back-burner.

Lacazette is fighting for lucrative terms, whether that be at Arsenal or elsewhere. And with that, Arteta’s men have a striker even more determined to prove himself.

If the 30-year-old can fire Arsenal into the top four, he is going to attract some superb offers. Arsenal meanwhile, will be able to stake a claim to sign some of those world-class strikers.