Report: Arsenal keen to offload Alexandre Lacazette this summer

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Arsenal are unlikely to look at extending the contract of Alexandre Lacazette despite Mikel Arteta hinting that a decision will be taken at the end of the season, according to a report from Football London.

Lacazette is currently set to be a free agent in the summer. The Frenchman is yet to agree a new deal with the Gunners.

He has shone at times during the campaign. Lacazette has not been prolific in front of goal. But no Arsenal player has provided more assists in the Premier League this season. And there have been times when he has shone in the system Arteta has opted for.

Arteta himself, has lauded the striker as a ‘terrific‘ player. And, as Football London notes, he has left the door open for the 30-year-old to discuss signing a new contract in the summer.

However, those working behind the scenes at Arsenal may have other ideas. Football London suggests that Arsenal are unlikely to offer an extension to Lacazette. They are keen to move his £180,000-a-week wages off the books.

Arsenal fans will welcome ruthless decision on Alexandre Lacazette

Lacazette has been brilliant at times this season. And his overall record for Arsenal is reasonable. Obviously, it would also be a shame to lose him on a free transfer.

But it does appear to be time to let him go.

If Arsenal are going to move forward, Lacazette can only be an understudy at most. And that makes little sense if he is earning nearly £200,000-a-week.

If he is attracting a lot of attention, he is unlikely to be willing to take a substantial pay-cut to stay at the Emirates.

It will be interesting to see what Arteta makes of the decision if the Arsenal hierarchy have indeed chosen to let him now leave.