‘Wants to keep improving’: Mikel Arteta raves about Arsenal player who’s been ‘excellent’ in training

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Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has spoken highly of Alexandre Lacazette, describing his conduct at the club and efforts in training as “excellent” amid speculation linking him with a move away.

The 29-year-old striker’s future at Arsenal remains uncertain, with the likes of Inter Milan, Juventus and Atletico Madrid linked with his services.

Indeed, Football London speculated last week that the Gunners had indicated to Atletico that they would be willing to package Lacazette in a deal for Thomas Partey.

Despite the speculation, Arteta said at his pre-match press conference ahead of the Premier League opener at Fulham that the Frenchman is focused on staking a claim at the Emirates Stadium.

“He is really happy here, he wants to keep improving and contributing to the team,” Arteta is quoted by Football London as saying.

“I know how good he is, the impact he is having. He knows about the competition he has with the front players, and again he needs to demand of himself to be the best striker at this football club, the same as the rest.

“He was very happy to hear that and the way he has been training and conducting himself has been excellent.”

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Whilst Lacazette’s 2019-20 season wasn’t plain sailing all the way through, he finished the campaign strongly and it’s clear he still has plenty to offer Arsenal – indeed, it’s great to hear how much of a model professional he continues to be.

However, the £182,000-a-week man is arguably the Gunners’ most saleable asset at present, not to mention a reported target for Atletico, a team with a player Arteta is apparently very keen on signing.

In addition, Arsenal are well stocked in the attacking department – besides Lacazette, Arteta has Bukayo Saka, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Eddie Nketiah, Willian, Nicolas Pepe and Reiss Nelson all able to be called upon in the front three.