As per recent reports, Arsenal forward Alexandre Lacazette is expected to stay at the club till next season as the team’s captain. This comes after Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s recent rift between manager Mikel Arteta regarding the player’s disciplinary issues.
Aubameyang, who signed a new three-year contract with the Gunners last year, has been struggling to give results this year. The Gabon international has scored just 4 goals in the Premier League this season. Atop that, his recent disciplinary breach resulted in him being stripped off of his captaincy.
With Arteta leaving him out of the squad for several games now, the player is in contention to leave. The 32-years-old striker could leave the Emirates in the summer transfer window. As a result, new captain Lacazette could possibly stay at the club until summer 2022.
Recent Arsenal issues could be a blessing in disguise for Lacazette
While Arteta has not revealed what the striker did to breach discipline rules, it is in speculations that the player arrived late from a trip abroad. The player has also been subject to a discipline issue last season. Due to this, the Gabonian was left out of the squad in their North London Derby against Tottenham Hotspur, last season. Arsenal’s statement on the current issue read:
“We expect all our players, particularly our captain, to work to the rules and standards we have all set and agreed.
With Auba now facing punishments for his actions, he is in speculations to leave the club mid-season. The player is highly linked with a move to FC Barcelona. On the other hand, Lacazette who was earlier in contention to leave is now the club captain. As a result, the club board would like to hold on to the player for the whole season.
The Frenchman has led the team to 2 victories in 3 games as skipper. With his fourth game as captain against Newcastle United, the 30-years-old striker will further strengthen his hold on the position.
The Gunner’s next move after Aubameyang
While Lacazette was linked with a move to AC Milan, the plans will take a harsh turn with Aubameyang to leave instead of the Frenchman. The new Gunners’ skipper could now expect a contract extension if he continues to perform in the Gabonian’s absence.
Arsenal has still thought to be on the lookout for attacking reinforcements, though, with Dusan Vlahovic and Dominic Calvert-Lewin among the names on their radar.
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